Jefferson
H1N1 Influenza Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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General FAQs
What are the symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 are virtually identical to seasonal flu and consist most commonly of sudden onset of fever, accompanied by cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
How can I stay healthy?
Influenza Prevention Measures
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then throw the tissue in the trash. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illness which include fever, accompanied by cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
Will I be tested for H1N1 if I seek medical attention?
At this time, public health officials and medical authorities are not recommending laboratory tests on everyone with flu-like symptoms. Recommendations may change as the influenza seasons progresses.
Should I get vaccinated for the seasonal flu?
Although the regular seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1, we encourage everyone to get the seasonal flu vaccine this year. Those who are pregnant, severely ill or have underlying health conditions (severe asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV disease, immune deficiency) are strongly urged to receive the vaccine. The vaccine is now being administered through University Health Services.
What is Jefferson doing to prepare for a possible H1N1 outbreak?
Jefferson continues to monitor the international outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza and prepare for the possibility that this pandemic may significantly affect our campus during the year. Representatives from the Hospital and University Emergency Management teams are working closely together and with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other health officials to help reduce the risk of infection in the Jefferson community and to plan for possible disruptions to our normal operations.
In the event of such disruptions, more information will be made available on this web site, our intranet sites, via e-mail and through JeffALERT our Emergency Notification System that can send out alerts through text messaging, voicemail and e-mail to numerous devices such as cellular phones, landline phones, fax machines and PDAs. University students, faculty and staff can visit our JeffALERT web site to learn how to update contact information so you can receive these communications.
Where can I get more information about H1N1?
In addition to the information on this site, you can also access the following resources:
Latest Info
UNIVERSITY STATUS
The University is open and operating normally.
All students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms are urged to remain out of class, the library, offices and other public places. You may resume normal activity only after being fever free for 24 hours (without medication). This applies to those WITHOUT patient care responsibilities.
For up-to-the-minute information about influenza, please see the Centers for Disease Control web site.
For up-to-the-minute information about the Philadelphia area please see the Philadelphia Department of Public Health web site.
For the latest case count in Pennsylvania, please visit the PA Department of Health web site.
STAFF & FACULTY
Inquiries about international travel should be directed to the Office of International Affairs at (215) 503-4335.
