University of Central Arkansas

We will do our very best to keep you informed through Campus e-mail, URSA Announcements, and SHC Website.  

We are expecting a shipment of the H1N1 vaccine.  Those will be made available to students, faculty, and staff.  Dates and times will be announced.  Learn more about what Arkansas is doing to help you.

Since the beginning of Fall 2009 semester the SHC has treated many students, faculty, & staff for an Influenza Like Illness (ILI).  Those testing positive for Influenza A, are assumed to be H1N1.  Click here for the latest UPDATE!

This information will give you a brief overview of this flu virus, symptoms, and treatment.  For more information, please see the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm. 

Novel H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people.  This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009.  This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza virus spread.  On June 11, 2009, the World Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

Spread of this flu virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads.  Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something (such as a surface or object) contaminated with flu viruses, and then touching their mouth or nose.

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against Novel H1N1 virus, however, one is currently in production and may be ready this fall.  Your Student Health Clinic plans to be one of the immunization sites.  Watch SHC website and your Cub e-mail accounts for updates.

• DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE!
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  (Using alcohol based hand cleaners is also effective.)
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  (Take your temperature  only when it has been 8 hours since last fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.)
• Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so.  Purchase a supply of over-the-counter medicines for fever, headache, and cough.  Purchase a digital thermometer.  Have a good supply of alcohol hand wash, tissues, soups, sports drinks, etc. to see you through your illness.  You should not go out in public while infected.

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worsening cough

Clinical judgment is an important factor in treatment decisions. If the patient has influenza like symptoms, it is H1N1 until proven otherwise.  Persons with suspected novel H1N1 influenza who present with an uncomplicated febrile illness typically do not require treatment unless they are at higher risk for influenza complications.

At this time treatment is recommended for patients with confirmed, probable or suspected novel influenza A (H1N1) infection who are:

1. Hospitalized
2. At higher risk for influenza-related complications**
3. Under 2 years of age

**High Risk Groups:

• Children younger than 5 years old.  The risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old.
• Persons with Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus).
• Immunosuppresssion, including that caused by medications or by HIV.
• Pregnant women.
• Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
• Adults 65 years or older (not necessarily so).