Swine Flu (influenza A H1N1) Preparedness

 

Updated Nov. 20, 2009

Bucknell University is working closely with local, state and federal officials to monitor the influenza A H1N1 (swine flu) virus and provide related information as necessary to the campus and local community. This website provides additional information about H1N1, including links to sites with related information, and will serve as a central point of communication as the situation changes. The University is communicating directly with the campus community through a number of other venues to provide updated information about the flu and its prevention and treatment.

Update: As of Friday afternoon, Nov. 20, Bucknell had one active case of a student testing positive for type A influenza, which the University is presuming to be H1N1, or swine flu, based on the advice of public health officials. One hundred fifty-seven students and 15 faculty and staff members who were previously diagnosed with type A influenza, dating back to Sept. 6, have since recovered.

The students who have been diagnosed with presumed H1N1 have been isolated or when possible returned home to recover. The employees recovered at home.

Three Bucknell students diagnosed with presumed H1N1 in June all recovered.

Prevention

Health officials recommend the following guidelines to help prevent the spread of flu viruses:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with your upper sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
  • Do not share utensils, drinks or personal care items, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to those of seasonal flu and typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills, fatigue and body aches. Persons with H1N1 influenza are contagious for up to five days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic.

If your temperature rises to 100 degrees or above and you have these symptoms, there is a good chance you may have this form of the flu. If you have any of the above symptoms, you should check your temperature with a reliable thermometer. Students who are concerned that they may have H1N1 should call Bucknell's Office of Student Health Services or, after hours, Department of Public Safety.

Faculty and staff who are experiencing any combination of these symptoms should contact their family physician or nearest hospital.

Student Health Service

Hours: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. weekends

Call: 570-577-1401 or 570-577-1410

After hours, call Public Safety: 570-577-3333

Travel

The University is encouraging all students, faculty and staff who are traveling domestically or abroad to take reasonable precautions and follow the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you are studying abroad and need further guidance, you may contact Bucknell's Office of International Education at 570-577-3796.

More information

CDC swine flu information
CDC tips for preventing flu
Pennsylvania Department of Health swine flu information
"Managing Your Anxiety about Swine Flu"

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