H1N1 Information

Naropa students’ care and consideration this fall will go a long way towards limiting the spread of the H1N1 virus.

As you know, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and other global health organizations are expecting widespread illness resulting from the spread of the H1N1 virus (also known as Swine Flu) during the coming flu season. In particular, it is important that we do everything we can to limit the impact and spread of the flu on the health and well-being of our community. Please use the alcohol-based hand sanitizers that Naropa has made available at all our locations.

Do not travel or attend class if you have flu-like symptoms, or feel them coming on. Don’t be a hero. You will be putting your fellow students (and their families) at risk. Naropa has developed a protocol to handle higher-than-normal rates of student absences. Please check with your faculty.

Do not travel or attend class until 24 hours after your fever lifts. Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness
for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

The virus is transmitted via airborne particles. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you have used it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective, and are available in campus offices and washrooms. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

Symptoms

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting are also associated with H1N1.

Emergency Warning Signs

Seek emergency medical care if you become ill and experience any of the following adult warning signs that may need urgent medical attention include:

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

Immunization

If you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes). If you would like to receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available, please follow this link to the Boulder County Public Health Department.

Of course, this memo cannot cover all the personal and medical issues surrounding the H1N1 virus, and should not be construed as definitive. For more information on the H1N1 virus, visit the CDC website.