University of New Mexico Parent Guide
Influenza Update from UNM Student Health & Counseling
The Novel H1N1 influenza virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Human infections are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment. It is likely that the UNM community will experience H1N1 flu in the same proportion as everyone else, probably before vaccinations will be available in the fall.
So far, while infection rates among college-age persons have been higher than other age groups, the illness in this age group has not been severe. Pandemic influenza is unpredictable. Over the summer, groups at Main Campus and Health Sciences Campus have been following developments and preparing for more influenza activity in the fall, including engaging with New Mexico Department of Health in immunization planning. Preventing the spread of infection to minimize absenteeism and disruption of education is a key part of the plan.
Because of the current H1N1 influenza pandemic, we would like to share some information with you about H1N1 infection prevention efforts at UNM.
Healthy Habits are encouraged to stop the spread of influenza:
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Soap your hands for about 15 seconds (time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" once). Use waterless, alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap is not available and before entering the dining halls to eat.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, using a tissue or your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Try to avoid close contact (within 6 feet) of sick people.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 infection?
Fever (>100 degrees F)
Cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue
Can include diarrhea and vomiting
Students who are ill with signs and symptoms of H1N1, should try to limit contact with others as much as possible. Students living in the dorms should notify their Resident Advisor. Please do not attend group gatherings, including class, while you are ill. If you have questions about your illness or wish to be evaluated, please call Student Health and Counseling (SHAC) at (505) 277-3136.
Vaccinations:
We encourage students to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza as soon as vaccines become available. Note: The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza. However, a novel H1N1 vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for the public this fall. The novel H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine - it is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine.
For updates on H1N1 influenza, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site at HYPERLINK "http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/" http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or the UNM Hospitals web site at HYPERLINK "http://hospitals.unm.edu/h1n1/" http://hospitals.unm.edu/h1n1/. For information about flu shots at SHAC this fall, visit the SHAC web site at HYPERLINK "http://shac.unm.edu/" http://shac.unm.edu/.
