 H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza) - Information
The Eastern College organization, along with its staff and students, must be prepared for the eventuality of the breakout of a pandemic such as the H1N1 virus. Vaccines are currently being developed and will be made available to targeted individuals in each province. As details will vary from province to province, students and staff are urged to contact their provincial department of health, Public Health division for specific information regarding the vaccination process. Where possible, Eastern College will attempt to hold vaccination clinics in each of their campuses. Details will be provided at a later date, and will be communicated through your local Campus Manager.
In order to prevent and contain the spread of the virus, Eastern College officials have consulted with provincial public health officials and have reviewed literature available through Health Canada. We are implementing measures consistent with those being adopted by other public and private institutions, which address two primary areas: prevention and containment.
Prevention
We have already installed hand sanitizers in all campuses. They are located in public areas such as hallways, reception areas, student/staff lounges and outside of bathrooms. Students and staff are encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands frequently – especially before eating and after using washroom facilities. Posters will be displayed throughout the campuses demonstrating proper hand washing techniques.
Proper hygiene is to be observed, as well as proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of the virus. When coughing or sneezing, please do so into your arm or elbow then repeat proper hand washing and sanitization techniques. Posters will be displayed throughout the school as a reminder of sneezing and coughing etiquette.
Sterile wipes will be available in each classroom for sanitizing computer keyboards and mice.
Containment
Even with the above precautions we are expecting that a number of staff and students will be exposed to the H1N1 flu virus during the upcoming flu season. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, sore throat, body aches and pains, eye pain and lack of appetite. If you experience any of these symptoms, remain at home until you are symptom-free, feeling well and able to resume normal day-to-day activities; avoid close contact with others and see a health care practitioner if symptoms worsen. If you are exposed to someone with the H1N1 virus, but are not experiencing flu-like symptoms, you may continue your day to day activities while maintaining proper hygiene and etiquette.
Absences from school due to the H1N1Virus
Students who miss class time due to the flu, are asked to contact their instructor/school administration by email/or by phone. Students will be expected to make up missed assignments and readings as with any absence, but extra help may be available through discussion with your instructor upon your return.
Exams or tests missed during absences will be rescheduled upon your return to class.
These precautions are not meant to unduly alarm students but are to ensure that we are all prepared with procedures that will ensure student success in the event of a break out of the H1N1 virus.
General Information for Staff, Students and Parents
What are seasonal influenza and H1N1?
Both seasonal influenza and H1N1 are acute viral illnesses of the respiratory tract. There are various strains of influenza; H1N1 is a new type.
What are the symptoms of seasonal influenza and H1N1?
Seasonal influenza and H1N1 share the same set of symptoms. They are fever and/or cough, and one or more of the following:
· Unusual tiredness;
· Headache;
· Muscle or joint aches;
· Sore throat;
· Vomiting and diarrhea in children less than 5 years of age.
How are seasonal influenza and H1N1 spread?
Coughs and sneezes release germs into the air where they can be breathed in by others. Germs can also rest on hard surfaces like counters and doorknobs, where they can be picked up on hands and transferred to the lungs when someone touches their mouth and/or nose.
How can I prevent the spread of seasonal influenza and H1N1?
· Wash your hands with soap and water, or use 60-90% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
· Cough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve. Tissues can be used to cover coughs and sneezes but be sure to wash your hands after throwing out the tissue;
· Do not share drinking glasses, water bottles, mouth guards, cosmetics or eating utensils;
· If you are sick, stay home from work or school. Avoid close contact with others until you are symptom-free, feeling well and able to resume normal day-to-day activities.
If students or staff are feeling sick, what should they do?
If ill with influenza-like symptoms students or staff should stay home from work or school. They should avoid close contact with others until symptom-free, feeling well and able to resume normal day-to-day activities. For further information and advice contact HealthLink 811. Like any illness, should symptoms worsen, they should visit a doctor or walk in clinic.
H1N1 Information and Additional Resources
Government of Canada websites:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/media
New Brunswick websites:
www.gnb.ca/cnb/Promos/Flu
www.gnb.ca/cnb/Promos/Flu
Newfoundland and Labrador:
www.health.gov.nl.ca/health
www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publications/hygiene
www.health.gov.nl.ca/health
www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/pandemic
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/influenza
www.safecanada.ca
www.fightflu.ca
Additional information and links will be soon available on the main Department of Education website: http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu.
Prince Edward Island:
www.gov.pe.ca/health
www.gov.pe.ca/cca
www.gov.pe.ca/health
www.gov.pe.ca/photos/sites/health
www.gov.pe.ca/photos/sites/health/file/covercough_school
|
|
|
|
|