H1N1 Updates

February 18, 2010

Everyone has a role to play in preventing the spread of influenza

What's new on this page: This page has been updated to reflect the fact that OH&S is no longer tracking flu-related absences.

At this time, the most important factors in controlling the spread of H1N1 influenza virus are

• The early identification of ill students and staff. » Click for symptoms
• Staying home from work or school if you have flu-like symptoms. » Click for more information
• Practising cough/sneeze etiquette and frequent handwashing.

Everyone has a role to play

• Wash your hands frequently using soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. When soap and water are not available, hand sanitizers are an excellent choice to use if hands are not visibly dirty. Use of hand sanitizers should not replace proper handwashing. » Click to read more
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve rather than your hand. » Watch the video, Why Don't we do it in our Sleeves?
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
• Immunization is one of our best defences against influenza. Alberta Health Services recommends all Albertans six months of age or older get the H1N1 immunization, which is now being offered at clinics across the province.
  As well, Alberta Health Services is offering the seasonal influenza vaccine at the immunization clinics. Alberta Health Services advises that the seasonal flu shot will be most beneficial to those at increased risk of complications due to seasonal influenza.
  Visit Alberta Health Services to learn more about the H1N1 and seasonal immunization programs, and to search for immunization clinic locations and dates. 
• Evidence shows that wearing masks is not effective in preventing the spread of influenza in the general public.
• We are asking students and employees to do their part in keeping surfaces clean. Supervisors and instructors are asked to make infection control supplies available for their employee and students. Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes and tissues can be ordered through Central Stores. » Click for information for staff on ordering supplies
  
  Consider using disinfecting wipes to clean shared desks, meeting room tables and computer keyboards and mice before use. Disinfecting wipes are being made available in the Computer Commons, computer labs in the Project Factory and computers in the Library. Please follow manufacturers' directions for use for all infection control supplies.

If you have the flu or flu-like illness, stay home from work or school for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you are feeling well enough to resume normal activities, whichever is shorter.

• Symptoms such as a cough may continue longer than seven days, if you are otherwise healthy, you are unlikely to be infectious, and it is appropriate for you to return to work or school.
• People who receive antiviral treatment may be infectious for a shorter time. They may return to work or school when they are symptom free, and after they have received three full days of the antiviral medication.
• Refer to Alberta Health and Wellness or Alberta Health Services for more on what to do.