Novel H1N1 Flu at UCSD October, 2009 By Bobbi Sawtelle, RN & Brenda Wong, Biosafety Officer EH&S
What is Novel H1N1? Commonly referred to as the Swine Flu, initially Viral composition = 2 genes from swine flu 2 genes from avian flu 2 genes from human influenza Human infection confirmed in April 2009 in So. Calif and Texas Outbreak has increased rapidly throughout US & World
H1N1 Transmission PRIMARY: Person-to-person through coughing, sneezing Touching nose or mouth with contaminated hands
Differences between Seasonal and SEASONAL FLU Higher incidence in older age groups 36,000 annual deaths 90% > 65 years old 200,000 hospitalizations 60% in adults > 65 years old 10 % in children < 5 years old Median age: 59 years old (2007-2008) H1N1 Influenza H1N1 FLU (Apr July 20o9) Higher incidence in < 25 y.o. age groups 302 deaths 39% in 25-49 year olds 25% in 50-64 year olds 16% in 5-24 year olds 8% in > 65 year olds 5,011 hospitalizations 5% in adults > 65 years old Highest hospitalization in children < 4 years old and 5-24 year olds Median age: 20 years old Obesity (BMI > 30) High Risk Groups: Pregnant women Medical risk factors High Risk Groups: Pregnant women Medical risk factors
Target Population for Immunization SEASONAL FLU Children 6 months 5 years old Adults > 50 years old Pregnant women Contacts/caregivers of children < 6 months Healthcare and Emergency Medical Personnel Nursing home/long term Care Facility residents Household contacts of high risk individuals Anyone with medical risk factors: Asthma Diabetes Chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease Cancer HIV infection Suppressed immune system Neurocognitive disorders Neuromuscular disorders H1N1 FLU (Initial) All people 6 months 24 years old People 25 64 years old with medical risk factors Pregnant women Contacts/caregivers of children < 6 months Healthcare and Emergency Medical Personnel Secondary: people 25-64 years old, then 65 & older Recommended for: Children 5-18 years old Anyone wanting to reduce risk of getting flu
What if I get sick? In SD County - contact your Primary Care MD - SOCIAL DISTANCING STAY HOME! At least 24 hours after fever-free (100 F),or no signs of fever without use of fever reducing medication. In most cases, 3 to 5 day exclusion period.
Urgent Medical Care Adults: Shortness of breath Pain/pressure in chest or abdomen Bluish Skin color Low fluid intake Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe/persistent vomiting Children: Fast /Troubled breathing Blue skin color Not drinking enough fluids Not urinating/no tears if crying Severe/persistent vomiting Not waking up/not interacting Excessive irritableness (not wanting to be held) Severe fever and cough Fever with rash Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.
Precautions for Pregnant Women Most pregnant women are more succeptible to seasonal flu To date, CDC does not know how the virus will affect pregnant women or the fetus Problems may include early labor or severe pneumonia Higher risk diabetes, heart disease, asthma, emphysema CDC recommends antiviral medication for pregnant women
FLU VACCINATION Check UCSD Flu website for updates on staff vaccination clinics Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and/or sneeze Throw tissues in the trash Try to avoid close contact with sick people Prevention
Wash hands thoroughly and often! Sing Happy Birthday song x 2 Use Disinfectant gel and rub until dry Wash linens well, Hot dryer Do not hug linens close to body Do not touch nose, mouth, eyes without washing hands Don t share food, drink, glasses, or utensils Prevention (con t)
Decontamination & Cleaning Use Disinfectant Wipes Wipe down all common use office equipment at office Wipe down door knobs, sink faucets, refrigerator handles, etc. at home Wash hands frequently
Caring For Sick Family Check with your health care provider about medication Special attention to those with specialized health conditions Stay home: at least 24 hours fever-free (100 F) Get rest Drink clear fluids Wash hands Cover cough/sneezes Face mask (for ill person only) Watch for emergency warning signs
Avoid Anxiety at Work and Home Refer to UCSD H1N1 website frequently for updates Seek medical advice Refer to key points when caring for family Wash Hands often Disinfect commonly used inanimate objects at home and at workplace Avoid contact with sick people Stay home if you are ill Get the flu vaccine Practice Wipe-Down Wednesdays
Student Health Center s Get Well Flu Kit
Other Questions / contacts Check frequently for updates on UCSD Webpages: H1N1: http://ucsd.edu/flu/ Seasonal Flu: http://blink.ucsd.edu/safety/personal/public-health/flu.html Bobbi Sawtelle, Occupational Health Nurse rsawtelle@ucsd.edu 534-8225 wk 583-3285 cell Brenda Wong, Biosafety Officer bwong@ucsd.edu 534-6059 wk 583-3277 - cell