Guidelines

Guidelines for Faculty and Staff When H1N1 Impacts the Classroom

What do I do when a student informs me that they have influenza or H1N1?

If this has not occurred already it will soon. You can assume that students who are ill may have influenza. Allow the student the time they need to get well. For most students this will be 4-7 days. Encouraging students to stay out of class is important so others don't get infected unnecessarily. Some students are afraid to do this because they are afraid they will be penalized. It is important that we all work together to minimize exposure for faculty, staff and students.

What about students who are in the class and were exposed?

There is not a lot we can do about this. A classroom is a close contact learning environment and presents some risk (as do residence halls, apartments, sports and social events, and any gathering where multiple people interact). Students have been informed of how influenza is transmitted and ways to minimize exposure.

Am I obligated to inform the class that someone is infected?

No, this is not necessary. When students were out sick last year with influenza it is unlikely that you announced it to the class. Students, faculty and staff have a right to privacy in any health related situation. What is helpful is taking a few minutes in class to encourage students to regularly wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when ill.

Why aren't we notified when a student has H1N1?

Most cases of H1N1 are not being tested in our population as the state is presently only testing a few samples. Some individuals who are stating that they have H1N1 have not been tested for H1N1 but for Influenza A. If this test is positive, it is most likely H1N1 infection. Some students with symptoms of influenza may not be tested or treated at all and as numbers continue to climb individuals may be assessed on the phone in an effort to support isolation recommendations. Notifying the class or a group of students of a case of influenza or H1N1 does not protect the class or anyone else. We know that H1N1 is prevalent on the campus and in the community. At present this virus is mild and most people are recovering well.

This virus is relatively mild but some people have died from it. How do I know when to get help for myself or someone close to me (such as a roommate or family member) and how should I do that?

So far there have been 3 deaths in MN from H1N1. This is much fewer than die from the seasonal flu each year. Fortunately we have a young healthy population at MSU and most will recover quickly. However, if someone you know has influenza symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting) and conditions such as allergies, asthma, heart disease, diabetes or other chronic diseases, it is important that they see the doctor. This illness may be more severe in these populations and other complications/illnesses may occur. Also, pregnant women who get the flu are encouraged to follow up with their medical provider.

What are the recommended precautions?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid close contact with people who have influenza-like symptoms.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you get influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue…some are also getting diarrhea and vomiting), stay home until 24 hours after symptoms and fever subside (without the use of fever-reducing medicine).
• Self-care supplies that might be helpful include: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, thermometer, tissues, cough drops, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and beverages such as Gatorade®.
• In addition to getting the H1N1 influenza vaccine when available, consider getting a seasonal influenza vaccine if you are able.

The Student Health Services web site will be kept up-to-date with information from the Minnesota Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and linkages to other key resources to provide guidelines on vaccine availability, treatment, travel recommendations, etc. regarding H1N1.