H1N1 Information for the UTMB Community

Protect yourself from the H1N1 virus 

Last spring, cases of novel H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, appeared in Mexico followed by rapid spread to the United States and many other countries. There is some concern that the virus may mutate and cause more severe illness this fall. For that reason, UTMB has developed a plan to protect our patients, employees and students.

Everyone in the UTMB community needs to adopt good habits of cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You may also use an alcohol hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus may spread by touching infected objects and then touching your nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with those infected with the virus, if possible.
• Go home if you become ill while at work. Stay home for seven days or until 24 hours after your fever is gone, whichever is longer.
• Take the seasonal influenza vaccine in September and the H1N1 influenza vaccine when it becomes available in October.

Persons with certain underlying medical conditions are at greater risk from this virus:

• Chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus).
• Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or HIV.
• Pregnant women.
• Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic care facilities. 

People with these underlying medical conditions should especially practice good cough etiquette and other precautionary measures. It is very important that these people be immunized with both the seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza vaccines as soon as they become available. They should also seek immediate medical care if they develop a flu-like illness.

This is the first of a series of communications to the UTMB community about the H1N1 virus. Everyone needs to take on the responsibility of being better educated about H1N1 influenza. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Dr. Garland D. Anderson
Provost and Executive Vice President

Dr. C. Glen Mayhall
Healthcare Epidemiologist

Information about H1N1 Pandemic from the CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to track the spread of the new H1N1 virus in the United States. (http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/):

Background
Learn about the emergence of the novel H1N1 virus in the United States and WHO's declaration of a novel H1N1 pandemic.

General Information
Basic information about H1N1 flu and you, including how to take care of a sick person and what to do if you get sick.

Facts and Figures
A summary of key novel H1N1 disease characteristics.

FluView
A weekly influenza surveillance report prepared by the Influenza Division.

International Situation Update
The Southern Hemisphere is in the middle of its flu season, and we have reports of what is happening there

Información en español
Datos importantes sobre la influenza H1N1…