To:  Members of the University Community
Fr:   Dr. Barbara Davis, Director, NJIT Health Services
Re:  H1/N1 Precautions and Protocols

As you may know from the media and prior communication, the H1N1 flu transmitted by respiratory droplet is currently circulating worldwide.  This novel flu strain was first detected this past spring, and cases were predominately mild.  The small number of cases on campus resolved without incident with full recovery of the affected individuals.  However, wide scale resurgence is possible this fall. We are currently monitoring the situation closely via the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and the Newark Department of Health and Senior Services.  We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.

In order to prevent the spread of flu should the outbreak become widespread as the Health and Human Service Secretary Kathleen Sebelius suggests, we need your help. 

We advise the following:

1. Know the signs and symptoms of flu – see below
2. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or with hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
3. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hand.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread that way.
5. Don’t share eating utensils, drinking containers.
6. Avoid close bodily contact with individuals who appear ill.

The common signs and symptoms of flu include the following; fever/ chills, cough and / or sore throat. Additionally you may experience headache, general body aches, sneezing and/or runny nose, extreme fatigue, nausea and/or vomiting, and poor appetite.

Fever is considered to be a temperature that is equal or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, or if a person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or is shivery.  If a temperature is taken, it should be taken before a fever reducer such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen are given.  Aspirin should be avoided if under age 20.

What should you do if you believe you have contacted the flu?

1. Self isolate.  Stay at home in a separate room or in your residence hall room for at least 24 hours after the fever, or symptoms of fever resolve.  Contact the Student Health Services at 973-596-3621 or your health care provider by phone immediately if your symptoms are more severe such as shortness of breath, chest pain, excessive vomiting, and cough with blood tinged mucous, sudden deterioration of your condition.  Do not go to school.  Avoid contact with others.
2. Get plenty of bed rest, increase fluid ingestion such as water, clear soups and broths, ginger ale, weak tea, and/or sports drinks.  Avoid alcohol.
3. For sore throat, gargle with warm salt and water and use lozenges.  Humidify the air with pans of water in the room or with a vaporizer.
4. Don’t sweat it out by layering on more clothing or blankets then usual since this can increase the body temperature.  Instead take a fever reducer such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin).
5. As per university policy, students who are ill and miss class for more than three days and/or missing presentations, quizzes or exams should notify the Dean of Students Office at doss@njit.edu  or by calling (973) 596-3470. The Dean’s office will notify faculty members. Be prepared to provide documentation.

The CDC recommends individuals to be vaccinated for the annual seasonal flu early, beginning now.  The H1N1 vaccine is anticipated to be available in mid October, and will be available to individuals in certain categories designated by the CDC; these include pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease). See www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm for a more detailed list.  It also recommends that those who are at higher risk for complications from the flu contact your health care provider or Student Health Services for treatment with anti-viral medication if you develop symptoms.

For additional information, you may go to the following websites:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1; www.flu.gov  or call 1-800-CDC- INFO (1-800-232-4636)

We will update you as new information becomes available to us.  If the outbreak becomes more severe, additional measures will be instituted.  Please help us to help you by following the above recommendations, and by following any updates that are forwarded to you.  Thank you, and stay healthy.