H1N1 Preparations

H1N1 influenza Preparedness Update 9/4/09

As the fall semester begins, with the return of student to classrooms, studios and residence halls, and the likelihood of the development of cases of H1N1 Influenza during the coming months, Pratt wants to share some important information about staying healthy during the coming months.

Pratt is encouraging the following preventive strategies to minimize the impact of influenza on its campus

Vaccination

• Seasonal Flu vaccine will be provided to student without cost and to staff and faculty for $10, and an announcement will follow in mid-September when the vaccine is available.
• When the H1N1 Vaccine becomes available in New York City, while it may not be distributed to colleges, information on how to obtain the vaccine will be made available.
• The Center for Disease Control latest vaccine recommendations

Precautions and Hygiene

• Cover your mouth when you cough, either with your sleeve or a tissue or handkerchief.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick with fever and either a cough or sore throat, STAY HOME OR IN YOUR ROOM AT THE RESIDENCE HALL for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. (see here for home isolation instructions for persons with fever and cough.)
• Stay away from clinics and hospitals unless you have severe symptoms, and notify your doctor or the clinic before you arrive, or as soon as you arrive, that you have a fever and respiratory symptoms so that you can be appropriately isolated from others.
• If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sore throat, or nausea, you may not need to see a health professional if your symptoms are mild. When in doubt, call your personal health professional or the Pratt Health and Counseling Center at (718) 399-4542, or consult the health and Counseling web site atwww.pratt.edu/health for the latest advice and guidance. The vast majority of people who become ill have mild to moderate severity and recover fully in a week or less, without any medical intervention. However, if you are ill with flu and are pregnant or have any chronic illness, please call your personal health professional or the Health and Counseling Center right away.
• If you are ill, DO NOT go to class or to work. You should stay home or in your room at the residence hall and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. You should NOT return to work or attend class until your fever is gone for a full day (24 hours) without the use of fever-reducing medicine. This also applies if you plan to use public transportation to return home or travel.

If you experience any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Persistent vomiting
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough

...seek emergency medical care by calling 911 or Pratt Safety and Security at (718)636-3540

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary, and may want to consider postponing travel. Please consult the CDC for for the latest U.S. travel advisory updates.

Other resources include the NYC Department of Health and NYS Department of Health