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H1N1 Situation Update, September 7, 2009

Wed Sep 09 15:02:00 CDT 2009

As we continue to see new cases of H1N1 within our campus community, I want to take this opportunity to remind you that the best prevention any of us have is good handwashing. A lot has been learned about how this virus is spread. The primary way is by direct contact; touching contaminated objects and then touching your mouth, eyes and/or nose.  We also know that the virus can live on objects such as door knobs and desks and in wet tissues for hours. Since avoiding these objects entirely is not feasible, our best defense is good handwashing. Even if you are using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, find a sink and use soap and water approximately every 10th time you wash your hands. Be sure to wash between your fingers, up past your wrist, and clean under your fingernails. And, don’t forget to clean your jewelry. Fingernails with cracked or peeling fingernail polish are more difficult to thoroughly clean and may harbor the virus longer.

We live in a social society and as such go about our day shaking hands, offering hugs to friends and family, as well as sharing some of our belongings. To further prevent the spread of the virus, you may want to consider temporarily finding an alternative way to greet your friends. You may choose to use disinfectant wipes on belongings you have shared with others.

The H1N1 virus is also spread when you are within 6 feet of an infected person for an extended period of time in a confined space. Confined spaces can be classrooms, dorm rooms, cars, etc. To avoid this type of transmission, the person who is sick should wear a surgical mask when in shared public spaces. Persons who want to avoid this type of transmission may wear a N95 mask. Wearing a N95 mask is not necessary unless you are within 6 feet of an infected person, in a confined space, for an extended period of time. There is no benefit to wearing a N95 mask outside these conditions. Just poking your head in the door to check on someone does not require a N95 mask. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control are currently suggesting such masks are only required by health care personnel who are in direct contact with patients having H1N1. Because dorm rooms and/or apartments on campus are confined spaces and because of the length of time you spend with each other in those rooms mirrors the contact health care professionals may have, well roommates may be asked to wear a N95 mask as a precaution if they have a roommate with H1N1. These masks can be obtained from Student Health or your Resident Assistant.

If you or someone you know on campus has H1N1, please use our on-line reporting system to tell us -- ASU-H1N1 Flu Prevention and Reporting. This helps us know who needs assistance as well as helping us track the number of cases that exist within our campus community. There are many links on our H1N1 site that provide you with vital information. Most of the answers to questions you may have can be found at those links. Should you need more information, please contact the Student Health Center, the Department of Student Affairs (870) 972-3355, or me (dpersell@astate.edu, 870-972-3074).

Dr. Deborah Persell, the author of this H1N1 update, is an associate professor of Nursing in ASU's College of Nursing and Health Professions, coordinator of the Regional Center for Disaster Preparedness Education, and an expert in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Contact Dr. Persell (dpersell@astate.edu) at (870) 972-3074.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm
for questions and answers about 2009’s H1N1 flu.