H1N1 Pandemic

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Below are answers to questions about the novel H1N1 virus (commonly referred to as swine flu) and the seasonal flu. For general information about the virus, please visit the CDC website.

• General H1N1 / Flu Questions

  What is H1N1?

  H1N1 (formerly referred to as swine flu) is a new influenza virus circulating worldwide. It is spread from person-to-person. Since this is a new, or novel, type of influenza, many people are susceptible to it and lack any prior immunity.

  What are the symptoms?

  Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those for regular seasonal flu. They are distinguished by a fever of 100°F or higher and may also include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, unusual fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting.

  How does H1N1 spread?

  Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads – mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

  Is H1N1 more likely to spread in an unkept environment – for example, spilled beverages on work surfaces, or dusty furniture?

  From Public Health, Seattle & King County: "The spread of H1N1 is the same as seasonal flu and the common cold through coughs and sneezes. Dusty furniture or spilled beverages are not sources identified as vectors for spreading this respiratory condition so our prevention messages are educating the public about how to properly cover one’s coughs and sneezes and washing hands frequently. More information is on our website."

  Who is most vulnerable to severe illness?

  According to the CDC, currently insufficient data are available to determine who is at higher risk for complications of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Thus, at this time, the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications should also be considered at higher risk for swine-origin influenza complications.

  Groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications include:

  • Children younger than 5 years old. The risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old.
  • Adults 65 years of age and older.
  • Persons with the following conditions:
    • Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
    • Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by 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.

  Are there medicines to treat the virus?

  Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the H1N1 influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and help you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).

  Will my seasonal flu shot protect against the virus?

  The seasonal flu vaccine is a valuable vaccine, but it does not protect against the H1N1 virus. This is a novel flu, a new genetic version containing pieces of the genome from swine flu, avian flu and human flu.

  Can I get a vaccination to protect against the H1N1 virus?

  The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 influenza virus. A separate vaccine is being developed for H1N1, but it is expected to be available in late fall and only in limited supply.

  Who are Seattle Community Colleges’ main points of contact about the H1N1 virus?

  • Students: Contact Student Services at your campus
  • Faculty/Staff: Contact the Human Resources office at your campus
  • Media: Seattle Community Colleges Public Information Office

• Student Related Questions

  What should I do if I show symptoms of influenza-like illness?

  Students diagnosed with, or suspected to have influenza should follow their physician’s instructions. Students should not go to class, should remain at home and avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after their fever resolves.

  Students should notify their instructor(s) by phone or email.

• Employee-Related Questions

  What should I do if I show symptoms of influenza-like illness?

  Staff with flu-like symptoms (distinguished by a fever of 100°F or higher, and may also include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, unusual fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting) should stay home and and seek medical care as needed from their primary care physician or an urgent care clinic as necessary. Staff should also communicate directly with their supervisor in the same manner they would for any other illness.

  If I am diagnosed with H1N1 virus, how will my time away from work at Seattle Community Colleges be counted?

  Absences due to influenza will be covered under existing sick leave policies.

  I need to stay home and care for a sick family member and/or my child whose school is closed. Can I use sick leave?

  Yes, you can use sick leave in accordance with the appropriate policies and procedures or in accordance with your Collective Bargaining Agreement.

  What if the college is closed and I’m not allowed to come to work, but I’m not sick?

  The District or College will follow the Suspended Operations guidelines consistent with District Policies and Procedures or the respective Collective Bargaining Agreements.

  Who determines if the college will be closed?

  The Chancellor and Presidents will work with Public Health – Seattle & King County to make that determination. Once a closure determination is made, the information will be communicated widely through all available means.

  Who determines when individual classes should be cancelled?

  If the college is not closed, individual class cancellations will be determined by the faculty member and the dean on a case-by-case basis.

  What do I do if I have a student in class who exhibits flu-like symptoms?

  Faculty should ask the student to go home so as not to infect others. If a student is unwilling to go home, faculty should refer him or her to Student Services personnel. Students will be sent home and will be permitted to return consistent with Public Health guidelines.

  Will classrooms and workspaces be sanitized?

  Regular and routine cleaning will continue. Public Health – Seattle & King County and CDC advise that individuals pay special attention to commonly touched surfaces (i.e., doorknobs, handrails, desks, etc.). Individuals are also encouraged to use disposable disinfecting wipes as practical. Most importantly, frequent hand-washing is advised.

  Will the college be providing supplies (i.e. masks, gloves, wipes, etc.)?

  The colleges have a limited supply of such items which will be used by essential personnel if/when necessary. It is not practical for the colleges to provide these items broadly to faculty, staff and students.

  Will the District purchase alcohol-based hand cleaners, and their stand-alone dispensers, to place in heavily populated buildings? This seems to be a strategy that hospitals, clinics, and some schools are using?

  Each of the Seattle Community Colleges is purchasing a supply of hand sanitizer. The dispenser locations will be at the discretion of the individual campus. We also ask that everyone take personal responsibility to help minimize exposure to H1N1 and seasonal flu, by following the preventive steps recommended by Public Health-Seattle & King County, and the CDC.

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw the tissue in the trash after use, and wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs are spread this way, and regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • Try to avoid close contact with people who appear to be ill, and regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
  • If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
  • Lastly, it is essential at a time like this to regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

  Could the colleges provide some color printouts of flu prevention posters in multiple languages?

  The Siegal Service Center has ordered a supply of the “stop germs – hand washing” poster in 6 languages – English, Chinese, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, and Spanish. Once they arrive, we will be sending copies to each of the campuses for distribution.

  Additional copies can be ordered at the following link: www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/stopgerms/posters.aspx

  How will absenteeism be tracked?

  Staff will use the electronic Time and Leave Reporting (TLR) system. Faculty will continue to use the current reporting system until they have migrated to the new TLR system.

  If the District is closed because of a pandemic, will I get paid?

  Yes, Payroll has made provisions to ensure you will get paid if you are signed up for Direct Deposit. If you are still receiving a physical check, there may be a delay in when you receive your pay depending on the circumstances at the time of the closure.

  Which students, faculty, and staff are at higher risk for complications from the flu?

  According to the CDC, anyone can get the flu (even healthy people) and anyone can have serious problems from the flu. Students, faculty, and staff should be encouraged to talk to their health care provider to determine if they are at higher risk for flu complications, especially if they have been in close contact with others who are sick with flu or flu-like illness. Some groups are at higher risk for complications from the flu. These include children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or compromised immune systems) and people 65 years of age or older.