H1N1 (Swine) Flu
On Sunday, April 26, the federal government declared a public health emergency as a result of several confirmed cases of H1N1 (swine) flu in the U.S. This declaration is described as "standard operating procedure" to free up federal resources to combat the virus.
Currently, H1N1 (swine) flu hazards to the Davis campus are low and there have been no changes to university operations or activities. University leaders, health services, public health and emergency management personnel are beginning the early implementation phase of our response plan. For more specific information, please visit the UC Davis Emergency Services website at http://ucdavis.edu/help/swine_flu.html.
Student Health Services
UC Davis Student Health Services is maintaining a dedicated Swine Flu webpage to provide information and offer services to UC Davis students. The page is located at http://healthcenter.ucdavis.edu/topics/flu-swine.html.
CDC Swine Influenza Website
For more information on swine flu, including current updates, symptoms and advice on how to avoid becoming infected you may also visit the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
CDC: Questions and Answers Webpages
CDC Recommendations for Colleges and Universities
UC Davis Student Housing is following CDC recommendations for colleges and universities regarding management of students, staff and faculty who may have novel influenza A (H1N1) or influenza like illness (ILI). CDC guidelines may be accessed at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm and are as follows:
- CDC is not currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gatherings.
- If confirmed cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection or a large number of cases of influenza like illness (ILI) (i.e. fever with either cough or sore throat) occur among students, faculty, or staff or in the community, institutions officials should consult with state and local health officials regarding an appropriate response.
- Because the spread of novel influenza A (H1N1) within a health professions school may pose special concerns, school administrators are strongly encouraged to contact their state and local public health authorities if they suspect that cases of ILI are present on their campuses.
- Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have ILI should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
- If possible, persons with ILI who wish to seek medical care should contact their health care provider or campus health services to report illness by telephone or other remote means before seeking care. Institutions should assure that all students, faculty and staff receive messages about what they should do if they become ill with ILI, including reporting ILI to health services.
- If persons with ILI must leave their home or dorm room (for example, to seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A surgical loose-fitting mask can be helpful for persons who have access to these, but a tissue or other covering is appropriate as well. (See Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home).
- Roommates, household members, or those caring for an ill person should follow guidance developed for caring for sick persons at home. (See Interim Guidance for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home).