October 6, 2009

The World Health Organization has declared the H1N1 virus (swine flu) to be a pandemic. It is classified as phase 6 of the global pandemic description, due to documentation that on multiple continents there was person-to-person sustained transmission, meeting the definition of a pandemic. The declaration of a pandemic does not suggest that there's been any change to the severity of the virus, but only that it is spreading in more parts of the world. The message has been strong that the virus is all around us and will continue to spread.

As a result, Palm Beach Community College will continue our efforts in preparation and response. Our key goals are to prepare and respond through efforts to follow the guidelines of the CDC, update our Emergency Operations Plans, and continually provide current and accurate information to our faculty, staff, and students. Additionally, Palm Beach Community College leaders are in constant communication with the Palm Beach County Health Department.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges you to take the following action to protect yourself and others from the influenza.

1) You are not expected to come to work or school if you are experiencing illness or
flu-like symptoms.

• CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
  
  
• This is a change from the previous recommendation that ill persons stay home for 7 days after illness onset or until 24 hours after the resolution of symptoms, whichever was longer. The new recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses, mass gatherings, and other community settings where the majority of people are not at increased risk for
  influenza complications.

2) Take time to get vaccinated

Seasonal Flu Vaccine

• CDC recommends a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. Although the seasonal vaccine will not protect you against novel H1N1, it will help to rule out seasonal flu if you become sick.
  
  
• Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease, and people 65 years and older.
  
  
• Seasonal flu vaccine is also important for health care workers and other people who live with or care for high-risk people to prevent giving the flu to those at high risk.
  
  
• The seasonal flu vaccine is being offered at each of the PBCC campuses.

• The H1N1 Vaccination will be available soon and will be offered here at PBCC.  The groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

  • Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by "cocooning" them from the virus;
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
  • All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
  • Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
  • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
  
  
• Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should also begin vaccinating everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years. Current studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older. 

3) Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor recommends them.

• If you get seasonal or H1N1 flu, antiviral drugs can treat the flu.
  
  
• Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
  
  
• Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
  
  
• Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and are different from antibiotics.
  
  
• Antiviral drugs may be especially important for people who are very sick (hospitalized) or people who are sick with the flu and who are at increased risk of serious flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions.
  
  
• For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms.

4) Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - that's how germs spread.
  
  
• PBCC has installed hand sanitizer and wipes in areas where there is food and shared equipment. You are encouraged to use these products to help protect yourself and others from spreading the virus.