Resource: Influenza and Pneumonia

Please click on the links below to learn more about symptoms, prevention and treatment of influenza and pneumonia, some of the most common illnesses found on a college campus.

• Influenza
• Seasonal Influenza
• H1N1 Flu
• Flu Vaccine
• Flu Mist
• Pneumonia Vaccine

Pandemic Flu

Planning

There is ongoing discussion in the media concerning a flu pandemic. History teaches us that we should expect and prepare for a global flu pandemic. St. Ambrose University, in cooperation with the Scott County Health Department, is in the process of developing a plan which will assist us in our efforts to protect the safety and well-being of our campus community.

St. Ambrose University's Safety Committee is providing overall guidance, engaging departments across campus in the development of specific plans for the protection of our community. We hope the members of our campus community will use these resources to learn about pandemic flu in order to develop departmental and individual plans which will help us take care of one another in such a crisis, whenever it strikes.

Flu Terms Defined

Novel H1N1 Flu (referred to as "swine flu" early on) 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 viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 flu was underway.

Avian (or bird) flu is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally and commonly among wild birds. The H5N1 variant has been the focus of concern in recent years. Avian influenza infection in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease;

• The "low pathogenic" form (including the "North American strain" of H5N1) may go undetected in birds, usually causing only mild symptoms, and is not considered a threat to humans.
• The "highly pathogenic form" spreads more rapidly through flocks, is deadly to domestic fowl, and can be transmitted from birds to humans. There is no human immunity to this virus, and no vaccine is available. While there has been some human-to-human spread of H5N1, it has been limited, inefficient, and unsustained.

Pandemic flu refers to a virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak (or pandemic) of serious illness. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity, and for which there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily from person to person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across a country and around the world in a very short time.

Seasonal (or common) flu or influenza is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted easily from person to person. Influenza types A or B viruses cause epidemics of disease almost every winter. In the United States, seasonal flu epidemics can cause illness in 10% to 20% of people and are associated with an average of 36,000 deaths and 114,000 hospitalizations per year. Though most people have some immunity, getting a flu shot is recommended for people at high risk of complications and for anyone who wants to reduce the chance of getting the flu. (See information about flu and flu vaccines.)

Prevention

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association recommend that students and staff at college and universities (especially those who share close quarters) consider getting the flu vaccine.

The flu (influenza) is highly contagious and spreads by contact with the oral and nasal secretions of others who have been infected. We recommend the following advice about what you need to do to stay healthy.

• Wash your hands
• Don't share eating and drinking utensils, lip balms, etc.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home from classes, work, social gatherings, errands, and non-essential activity when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing to keep those around you from getting your germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches her or his eyes, nose or mouth.
• Take care of your immune system by eating well, getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress.
• Wash your hands frequently.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) offers these additional tips:

• "Stopping germs at home, work and school."
• "Cover your cough."

Preparation

Your ability to stay healthy and to respond effectively will depend in part on your advance planning. If a pandemic occurs, the university may have to evacuate for some period of time. If classes are suspended and campus is closed, residence hall students may be expected to leave campus within 24 hours so that they can travel safely to be with loved ones before major disruptions occur with the nation's communications, transportation and financial systems. To make sure you are ready to respond, think through your personal emergency plan and address the following considerations:

• If you live on or near campus and have to travel some distance to your permanent residence, what are your primary travel plans? Do you have a contingency?
  • If you plan to travel by air or rail, do you have your travel agency or airline reservation information handy? What amount of cash and other resources do you need to keep on hand for emergency travel ($ for gas, tickets, food, etc.)?
  • If you plan to drive, do you have at least one alternate route?
  • If you will be picked up, do you have contact information ready?
  • If you cannot get home, is there a friend or loved one who lives nearby who would agree to let you stay during a campus closure (for what could be an extended stay)?
  • What plans are you making and sharing with your roommate (i.e., staying in touch, securing your room by the last person to leave, list of valuables left behind)?
• If you commute and an evacuation is ordered, do you have at least one alternative commuter route?
  • Familiarize yourself with local resources for traffic updates and road conditions, including KWQC TV and Downtown Davenport Transportation.
• What should you do if your on-campus classes are interrupted, but your academic activities continue remotely, through e-mail or other communications? Prepare to have the following at home:
  • Laptop and portable technology devices.
  • Syllabi for your classes, including faculty and other student contact information.
  • Individual course plans in the event of a campus evacuation.
  • Email access and on-line learning options. For more information check the St. Ambrose information technology web site.
• Will the university be able to reach you once you have evacuated?
  • The university may need to rely on phone and internet communications to remain in touch with you during a pandemic. Please make sure your contact information is up to date (both email and phone) for students in the Student Information System.

In addition, the Iowa Department of Public Health has provided the following website, Protect Iowa Health, to assist you in developing a plan in the event of an emergency, assembling an emergency supply kit which will need to be checked periodically and restocked as needed, and creating a list of important phone numbers.