Overview

 

This plan has been developed to be a guide for our thinking, planning, and response to a campus outbreak of the H1N1 flu strain.  The plan follows the guidelines for colleges and universities set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

 

The plan, based on the most recent information available on this relatively new strain of influenza, is intended to education faculty, staff, and students on controlling the spread of the H1N1 flu and to provide direction for those who contract the illness.  Despite the anticipated short disruptions

caused by cases of the flu, the College should be able to carry out its educational mission and important outside-the-classroom activities. 

 

Typically, the symptoms of H1N1 flu mimic those of the seasonal flu that circulates each winter.  Otherwise healthy people recuperate in 1 to 8 days and only need over-the-counter fever reducers to cope with the symptoms.  Flu is contagious with close person-to-person contact and for this reason, Kaskaskia College, based on guidance from federal, state, and local health authorities, is relying on self-isolation to control the spread of H1N1 infections, meaning if you are sick with flu symptoms, please avoid contact with others by staying home.

 

Because communication is critical for the successful management of this new flu challenge to our campus community, we will update the plan and the strategy as necessary. 

 

Goals

• Provide awareness and accurate information to all College constituents;
• Take appropriate preventative measures to inhibit or reduce the impact of the H1N1 flu strain;
• Enact appropriate response measures in the event that an outbreak occurs.

Operating principles

• Open and continuous communication with faculty, staff, students, and other important constituents;
• Emphasis on preventative measures such as hand sanitation and cough etiquette.
• Clear instructions that students, faculty and staff who exhibit flu-like symptoms must remain at home until 24 hours after their fever ends without the use of fever reducing medications.

Pre-Event

 

Communications Campaign

• Posting signs in restrooms and near sinks to remind students, staff, and faculty to thoroughly wash their hands.
• Development of an H1N1 web page and link to the Kaskaskia College Home Page.
• E-mails and letters providing basic information and directing the College community to the College’s H1N1 web page as well as to www.flu.gov  for up-to-date information.

Meetings

• H1N1 Flu information provided to staff and faculty at President’s Cabinet, College Council and other staff meetings.
• H1N1 Flu information provided to Dining Facility, Custodial, Child Care staff, and to Administrative, Instructional, and Student Services personnel at frequent intervals.
• Faculty are encouraged to talk to students about the absence policy regarding the H1H1 Flu.

Hand Sanitation

• Facilities Directorate will place soap dispensers and hand sanitizers at appropriate locations throughout the campus, to include restrooms, the Student Center, the Fitness Center, high traffic areas, and the various Centers and will ensure they remain filled.
• Posters and other materials will be placed at strategic locations throughout the campus and centers addressing the importance of hand sanitation and other measures to combat contagious illnesses.

H1N1 Vaccination

• Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations will be provided on campus as soon as vaccines become available.  Additional information will be provided once it becomes available.
• We will follow CDC’s recommended distribution guidelines and will modify them as appropriate for our population.
• We will probably not be allocated enough H1N1 vaccinations to cover the entire population of faculty, staff, and students. Therefore, vaccines will be allocated according to the following prioritized list. If vaccines are still available after this list is addressed, then an additional priority list will be published for the campus community.
• H1N1 vaccines priority list (estimated numbers):
  • Pregnant women
  • Child Care Center staff and Children
  • Campus Safety and Security
  • Faculty, Staff, and Students, with medical conditions that place them at high risk
  • Health Occupation Faculty and Students
  • Dining Hall workers
  • Remaining Faculty, Staff, and Students

Additional Information

• Testing for H1N1 will likely not occur. We will be responding to flu-like symptoms.
• Bookstore will stock up on over the counter pain medication, hand sanitizers, and kleenex.
• Custodial personnel will sanitize facilities at various times during the day; especially handrails, door knobs and latches, and other areas where there is frequent hand contact.
• Additional extensive precautions will be taken with children and caregivers in our child care facility.

Event

 

The Trigger Event 

There is no specific incident or number of cases that would act as the trigger for College response. The response to an outbreak of the H1N1 flu is likely to be based on a variety of different events that occur within a specific time. In the event that a college response is required a Crisis Management Team (CMT) will be formed consisting of the Vice-Presidents, the Deans, the Director of Safety and Security, and the Director of Facilities. There are several scenarios which might require calling the CMT into action:  if the Dean of Nursing feels that the number of flu-like cases has exceeded the normal number of patients for a specific period of time; if there is a serious case in which hospitalization results from flu-like symptoms; if H1N1 occurs in areas surrounding the College before it manifests itself on campus. In other words, there are a variety of factors that we will be monitoring. Our bias is that we will err on the side of calling the CMT into action. 

 

Operating Principles

• We will emphasize that the patient is contagious 24 hours before symptoms manifest themselves, and may expose others to the virus.
• Respiratory isolation is the recommended action by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), meaning that those who are sick should isolate themselves from others by staying home and not attending classes, performing student work, attending social events, or participating in any other activities that put them in contact with other people.

CMT Response Options

If the CMT is called into action, a series of action plans may be activated as deemed appropriate and necessary:

• Large gatherings, including athletic events, may be postponed or canceled.
• Dining service protocols be changed or altered.
• Students who exhibit flu-like systems should stay home. They should also contact their instructors to let them know if they will be absent from class.
• Instructors should then provide those names to Student Services so they can track the extent of the illness.
• Faculty and staff who exhibit flu-like systems should stay home and not return to work until 24 hours after their fever has ended without the use of fever reducing medications.
• All faculty and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms and staying at home should contact their appropriate supervisor who will notify the VP of Student Services.
• Faculty and staff who have immediate family members exhibiting flu-like symptoms may be asked to stay at home to care for them.
• E-mails and web postings will begin and continue throughout the outbreak to provide information and update the community on the current situation, action plans, and instructions.
• All students with flu-like symptoms will be referred to the Safety and Security Department for evaluation.
• If they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the following may occur:
  • Their emergency contact information will be checked and updated;
  • They will be instructed to return home and isolate themselves;
  • They are not to attend class, perform student work, attend practices, or participate in other activities until 24 hours have passed after their fever ends without the use of fever reducing medications;
• The Safety and Security Staff will provide a sick list at the end of each work day to Student Services for those students they know are sick.
• Faculty and staff will be instructed that if a student on the list attempts to attend class, work place, and/or practice within the next two days that they should ask the student about their fever and, if need be, recommend they see their health care provider for additional evaluation and instructions.
• The Safety and Security Department will have a supply of masks for students, staff and faculty, should they be requested.
• Sick students will be asked to stay in isolation until 24 hours after their fever ends without the use of fever reducing medications.
• CMT will be in communication with other community colleges and health care organizations in Illinois to share experiences, knowledge, and resources.
• These protocols may be amended and/or changed based on recommendations from the CDC and/or our own particular situation.

Post Event:

• CMT will communicate to the community about protocols and services enacted during the outbreak that will be discontinued. A timeline for the phasing out of these services will be communicated as well.
• CMT will consult with the Illinois Health Department and the CDC for additional recommendations.

Additional Information

• Action Steps for Students, Faculty, and Staff to Prevent the Spread of Flu
• H1N1 (Swine Flu) Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions

 

                                                                                                     

Action Steps for Students, Faculty, and Staff to Prevent the Spread of Flu

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 4 main ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu:

1.       Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

2.       Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.

3.       Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 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). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

4.       Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu. Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination can be found at:www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at:www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm

 

Steps to take to prepare for the flu during current flu season:

·         Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Cover coughs or sneezes using your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands when a tissue is not available.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·         Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.

·         Plan to monitor your health by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.

·         Talk with your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu. 

 

If flu conditions become MORE severe, students, faculty, and staff should consider the following steps:

·         Extend the time you stay home or at your residence to at least 7 days, even if you feel better sooner. If you are still sick after 7 days, continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have completely gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

·         Prepare for the possibility of suspension of classes by planning to continue your work at home (e.g., homework packets, Web-based lessons, phone calls), and find a place where you can stay either by going to your home, home of a relative, or close friend of the family.

INFLUENZA A (H1N1)

What Kaskaskia students need to know

BACKGROUND: Novel Influenza A (H1N1), previously referred to as “Swine Flu,” is a new virus. Infects younger age groups (under 25 years) the most. Those at greater risk of complications from the flu include: Ages less than 5 or 65 and older Pregnant women Those with a co‐existing medical condition, such as asthma or diabetes mellitus HOW TO PREVENT IT: Stay informed! Cover your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze. Dispose of used tissues. WASH YOUR HANDS often with soap and hot water. Use alcohol‐based hand sanitizers. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. GERMS SPREAD THAT WAY! STAY HOME if you are sick so that you don’t infect others. SYMPTOMS: Most patients have typical flu‐like symptoms that tend to be mild. Commonly reported symptoms: Cough Fever Sore throat Fatigue Headache Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea occur in some of patients. THE VACCINATION: There are 5 groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who have been targeted to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine when it becomes available: Pregnant women Caregivers or household contacts of infants under 6 months old Health care and emergency services workers Young people between 6 months and 24 years of age Anyone with underlying risk conditions, such as diabetes or asthma

HOW TO MANAGE IT: Students who have flu‐like symptoms should self‐isolate For at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the use of a fever‐reducing medicine). If feasible, students should go home to recuperate. Self‐care measures include: get plenty of rest and fluids And take medications such as fever reducers and pain medicine (acetaminophen and/or ibuprofen). Medications such as oseltamivir (TamifluR) are recommended for treatment of H1N1 only in special circumstances, for example, in pregnant women, patients with high‐risk medical conditions, and hospitalized and critically ill patients. SICK CONTACTS: If you have a close contact who is told that s/he may have H1N1 and you have a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or other serious chronic condition, are immunosuppressed due to a medical condition or medications, or are pregnant, then you should contact your health care provider. You may benefit from antiviral medication. WARNING SIGNS: SEEK EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE! Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Sudden dizziness. Confusion. Severe or persistent vomiting. Flu symptoms that improve temporarily, but then return with fever and worse cough, which could be a sign of pneumonia. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Kaskaskia College: www.kaskaskia.edu/Security/FluInfo.aspx Illinois Department of Public Health: http://www.idph.state.il.us/h1n1_flu/ Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/h1n1 The CDC is NOT currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or large gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?
2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) 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 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Why is 2009 H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a "quadruple reassortant" virus.

2009 H1N1 Flu in Humans

Are there human infections with 2009 H1N1 virus in the U.S.?
Yes. Human infections with 2009 H1N1 are ongoing in the United States. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.
CDC routinely works with states to collect, compile and analyze information about influenza, and has done the same for the new H1N1 virus since the beginning of the outbreak. This information is presented in a weekly report, called FluView.

Is 2009 H1N1 virus contagious?
The 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?
Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How severe is illness associated with 2009 H1N1 flu virus?
Illness with 2009 H1N1 virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.

In seasonal flu, certain people are at “high risk” of serious complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. About 70 percent of people who have been hospitalized with this 2009 H1N1 virus have had one or more medical conditions previously recognized as placing people at “high risk” of serious seasonal flu-related complications. This includes pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

Young children are also at high risk of serious complications from 2009 H1N1, just as they are from seasonal flu. And while people 65 and older are the least likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 flu, if they get sick, they are also at “high risk” of developing serious complications from their illness. See People at High Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications for more information about who is more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized and occasionally result in death.

CDC laboratory studies have shown that no children and very few adults younger than 60 years old have existing antibody to 2009 H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against 2009 H1N1 flu by any existing antibody.

How does 2009 H1N1 flu compare to seasonal flu in terms of its severity and infection rates?
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.

When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are relatively fewer cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu.  However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

Prevention & Treatment

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
This season, there is a seasonal flu vaccine to protect against seasonal flu viruses and a 2009 H1N1 vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (sometimes called “swine flu”). A flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against flu infection. For information about the 2009 H1N1 vaccines, visit H1N1 Flu Vaccination Resources. For information about seasonal influenza vaccines, visit Preventing Seasonal Flu With Vaccination.

There are also everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

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. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.*

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Other important actions that you can take are:

·         Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

·         Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs * (for when soap and water are not available), tissues and other related items could help you to avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
Keep away from others as much as possible. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

If I have a family member at home who is sick with 2009 H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with 2009 H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including covering their coughs and sneezes and washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, they should use an alcohol-based hand rub.* If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs. For more information please see General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. CDC recommends that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.* You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

What should I do if I get sick?
For information about what to do if you get sick with flu-like symptoms this season, see What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu. A downloadable flyer containing this information also is available at www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/2009-10/pdf/what_to_do_if_you_get_sick.pdf. .

What are “emergency warning signs” that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently?

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1 infection?
Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called “antiviral drugs.” These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious flu complications. Your health care provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your illness. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

What is CDC’s recommendation regarding "swine flu parties"?
"Swine flu parties" are gatherings during which people have close contact with a person who has 2009 H1N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus. The intent of these parties is for a person to become infected with what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural immunity 2009 H1N1 flu virus that might circulate later and cause more severe disease.

CDC does not recommend "swine flu parties" as a way to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.

CDC recommends that people with 2009 H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Contamination & Cleaning

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What kills influenza virus?
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.

*What if soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed in my facility?
If soap and water are not available and alcohol-based products are not allowed, other hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol may be useful.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How should waste disposal be handled to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Additionally, persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.

What household cleaning should be done to prevent the spread of influenza virus?
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.

How should linens, eating utensils and dishes of persons infected with influenza virus be handled?
Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid "hugging" laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.

Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.

 

Exposures Not Thought to Spread 2009 H1N1 Flu

Can I get infected with 2009 H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
No. 2009 H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

Is there a risk from drinking water?
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Current drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of 2009 H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as 2009 H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.

Can 2009 H1N1 flu virus be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues?
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC recommended disinfectant levels does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by CDC (1–3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2–5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as 2009 H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.

Can 2009 H1N1 influenza virus be spread at recreational water venues outside of the water?
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this 2009 H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.