H1N1 Information for Students and Families
University of Maine - 1N1 Information for Students and Families
UMaine is working in conjunction with state health officials and continues to closely monitor developments related to the H1N1 virus (formerly known as the swine flu virus). Students and families can be assured that UMaine has a response plan for this situation and steps have been taken to help ensure the health and safety of the UMaine community. UMaine personnel continue to meet weekly developing specific responses and informational materials related to the start of classes in August 2009 and beyond.
Maine State Center for Disease Control (MECDC) continues to recommend that infected people, including members of the UMaine community, stay home from work or classes and limit contact with others to avoid infecting others and spreading the virus. The following symptoms have been identified as accompanying an H1N1 infection:
• Fever, chills, fatigue
• Sore throat, cough
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Headache, body aches, runny or stuffy nose
It is recommended that you consult your health care provider if you are experiencing the above conditions.
The Emergency Operations Committee communicates regularly with Cutler Health Center and MECDC to ensure an appropriate response to H1N1 and to gather information to help identify clusters of illness in University’s resident community. If your health care provider has advised you that you may have H1N1 influenza please contact H1N1@umit.maine.edu to assist in tracking the spreading of the illness and follow the CDC guidelines found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare_directions.htm.
Students who are sick or who have influenza like illness (ILI) are asked to stay in their residence hall room or place of residence, and practice self-isolation or social distancing (this means stay away from others, avoiding normal activities, including work, classroom, travel, shopping, social events, campus common and public areas/gatherings) until 24 hours after you are symptom free of fever (100ºF [38.7º]) or signs of a fever without the use of fever reducing medications.
Roommates of students with ILI can get a printout of the CDC guidance document “caring for a sick person in your home” from the CDC web site (http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm). This printout includes instructions on cleaning, when to use a facemask, etc.
If you are a student who is in a high risk group for complications from influenza (cystic fibrosis, asthma, immunosuppressed, diabetes, etc) and have questions concerning resident housing contact: Student Affairs (581-1406), Cutler Health Center (581-4000) or Residence Life staff in the halls.
In order to limit the spread of disease, everyone is advised to follow good respiratory hygiene:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or arm sleeve 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 touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (Social Distancing)
• Stay home if you are sick until you have been symptom-free of fever for 24 hours, or signs of a fever without the use of fever reducing medications.
• If possible, people with influenza like illness (ILI) who wish to seek medical care should contact their health care provider. If people with ILI must leave their residence hall room or residence (for example to seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
NOTE: Medically supervised isolation of students with ILI in resident housing would be a “Level II” response and only initiated if the CDC or medical provider deem it necessary. This would likely occur in the event the H1N1 virus becomes more virulent and a greater threat to human life.