This flu season (2009-2010), there are more uncertainties than usual because of the emergence of a new 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (previously called “novel H1N1” or “swine flu”) that has caused the first influenza pandemic (global outbreak of disease) in more than forty years.

Severity is uncertain. Many people do not have immune protection against this new and very different 2009 H1N1 virus, which has spread worldwide quickly and has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) scientists who believe the 2009 H1N1 virus—along with regular seasonal viruses—will cause illness, hospital stays, and deaths this flu season in the United States. There is concern that the 2009 H1N1 virus may cause the season to be worse than a regular flu season—with a lot more people getting sick, being hospitalized and dying than during a regular flu season.

Thus far, the Centers for Disease Control reports influenza activity in the United States during the last week of September/first week of October at above normal levels, primarily due to the H1N1 virus. Activity in New York State specifically, however, has been reported at “normal” level. To date, the Student Health Service at the Graduate Center can report that no cases of influenza like illness have been diagnosed, but we will need the participation of all members of our academic community to prevent the spread of this illness.

Below are a few suggestions for avoiding getting sick this season.

1. Get vaccinated. Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu. Encourage your family, your roommates, students, classmates, coworkers to be vaccinated. If uncertain, talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 flu. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you would be considered in a “priority group” for receiving 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). For more information about priority groups for vaccination: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Please note that this year the CUNY administration has thus far been unable to provide seasonal, as well as H1N1 vaccine and they are therefore currently not available on CUNY campuses, including the Graduate Center. Since these vaccines are not being currently offered at the Student Health Service, please visit the following websites to find a location to obtain flu immunization, visit: https://a816-healthpsi.nyc.gov/FluPublic (free and low cost centers, NYC Department of Health); http://flu.gov (CDC flu vaccine locator). There will also be a listing available at the Health Service office (room 6422), as well as on our website.

2. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.

It is suggested that you carry pocket sized bottles of sanitizer, and make use of wall sanitizer dispensers that are being installed on the Graduate Center campus. (Currently there are dispensers located in the main lobby, outside the Library, as well as outside the 8th floor cafeteria.)

3. Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. After using one tissue, discard it; do not keep the contaminated tissue in your pockets. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.

4. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.

5. Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least twenty-four 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). Don’t go to class or work.

6. Maintain a clean work environment. Keep shared surfaces such as telephone receivers and computer keyboards particularly clean with antiseptics or wipes containing alcohol or chlorox.

What Services Does the Student Health Service Offer?

Health information and updates regarding influenza are available in our office and on our website (gc.cuny.edu/wellness) which has links to other websites with more extensive information.

Although it is advised that you remain at home if ill with influenza-like symptoms, the Health Services Center can examine, diagnose, treat and offer prescriptions for those who have symptoms, should you not respond to home remedies (applicable to eligible, registered GC students only).

Diagnostic laboratory testing is not available onsite, nor is it recommended routinely for influenza by the Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control. If indicated, however, in rare circumstances, the Health Service can refer you to an appropriate site that does testing.

The Health Services Center can also provide referrals for immunization, as described above, as well as advice and information regarding both seasonal and H1N1 immunization.

For further information please contact: the Student Health Service at wellness@gc.cuny.edu or telephone 212-817-7020; or access the following web sites, http://flu.gov; http://nyc.gov/flu.

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