To keep the Santa Rosa Junior College community informed about the changing situation regarding Swine Flu or H1N1, the Sonoma County Junior College District is taking steps to protect the health and welfare of our college community, including providing information on this Web site. Be sure to check back periodically for updates and links to additional online resources.

H1N1 Flu and Its Symptoms

Novel H1N1 (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.The primary symptoms of novel H1N1 flu are fever and a sore throat and cough. These symptoms can also represent infection with the seasonal flu, which is an entirely different virus.  Laboratory testing to confirm whether someone specifically has the H1N1 influenza is currently being done in very few situations. 

CCC’s Pandemic Education and Prevention Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl0f1bzIhcg

Keeping Yourself Healthy

Take actions every day to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it or cough and sneeze into your sleeve.
• 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 that way.
• Stay home if you get sick.
• Manage your stress, get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise.

About Flu Vaccines

Student Health Services will offer seasonal flu vaccines starting in September 2009. The CDC recommends that all people get this immunization. However, the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect someone from the H1N1 flu virus.

It is anticipated that a separate H1N1 flu vaccine will be available later in the fall. At this time it has not been determined if SRJC will receive H1N1 vaccine from the Sonoma County Public Health Department for students and staff.

Please check back for updates about vaccines. More information to come!

Keeping Our College Community Healthy

Fortunately, at this time, the majority of confirmed cases of the H1N1 Flu have resulted in relatively mild illness for most individuals. It continues to be of more concern for individuals that are in high-risk groups for complications from the flu. There is no reason for panic, but we do need to treat this outbreak seriously, and respond accordingly.

When students and employees are sick with influenza-like illness at the College, in classrooms, workplaces, or at public gatherings, they need encouragement and direction to go home to take care of themselves. They should then call their health-care provider to see if they could benefit from flu testing or from antiviral medications. Students may call Student Health Services at 527-4445 or a Sonoma County Community Clinic if they do not have a established health-care provider. A list of clinics can be found at http://www.santarosa.edu/for_students/student-services/student-health-services/sonoma-county-resources/.

SRJC is reviewing its Pandemic Flu Response Plan, and the District’s Emergency Operations Center is prepared to respond as needed. A Flu Task Force has also been assembled with representatives from across the college to assist in gathering information, making suggestions, and mobilizing resources toward preventing the more serious outcomes from a flu outbreak in our community. Please continue to find current flu-related information by visiting this Web site periodically and accessing the helpful information links provide below.

Information for Students

The symptoms of H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) and Seasonal Flu may include:

• Fever above 100°F
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle aches, fatigue
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chills
• Possibly nausea and diarrhea

Please note: Fever and cough or sore throat are the defining characteristics of influenza-like illness.

Both forms of the flu are highly contagious through airborne respiratory droplets. It is the responsibility of faculty to ensure a safe and healthy environment in the classroom for everyone; therefore instructors have the legal authority to dismiss students from the classroom when contagious illness is apparent.

Instructions For Students Exhibiting Symptoms of Influenza-like Illness

• At the first sign of illness, isolate yourself at home, do not come to classes, and, if you are at school, go home immediately.
• Call your personal health-care provider or Student Health Services (527-4445) and ask for a phone consultation regarding a flu-like illness. Typically, going into a health-care facility is not advisable unless you are in a high risk category for complications and it may be appropriate for you to receive antiviral medication. High risk categories currently include pregnancy, patients with chronic medical conditions, those with a compromised immune system, and those less than 5 years old or more than 65 years old. Testing for the flu is not currently being done in settings outside the hospital, as this does not change the treatment plan.
• Don't forget to check your syllabus for attendance and make up policies. We encourage you to communicate with your instructor as soon as possible.
• Notify ALL of your instructors by e-mail or telephone to let them know you are sick with influenza-like illness and when your symptoms began. Receive direction from your instructors on how you may be able to meet any class requirements you miss during your anticipated absence.  
• Home self-care of this illness includes Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen for headache, fever, and body aches. Monitor your fever with a thermometer. Drink clear fluids throughout the day. If you have a cough that is unrelieved with over the counter cough remedies or signs of severe illness, contact your health-care provider.
• Stay home per the guidelines issued by the CDC and Public Health Department as follows:

  Those experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay at home for at least  24 hours after their fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medicine. If you attend classes or work in a health-care setting, you should stay at home for 7 days after the onset of flu symptoms or until symptoms subside, whichever is longer.