FAQs: Influenza Prevention and Treatment Measures for Everyone

Penn takes the health of its community and the health of its external constituencies and community organizations very seriously. Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other public health officials, we ask that everyone take the actions below in order to help prevent the spread of influenza and to limit the impact of influenza on our community. In addition, we ask that potential campus visitors (colleagues, friends, family) with influenza-like illness postpone campus visits.

Influenza Prevention Measures

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.

• 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.

• Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illness which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness

• Avoid contact with others: stay home from work, class, and public places.

  • Isolating yourself if you have influenza-like illness protects others in the community, especially those at higher risk for influenza complications.

  • The current recommendation from the CDC is that you should remain isolated until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.

• If you wish to seek medical treatment, contact your health provider by telephone before seeking care.

• Seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know is having any of following warning signs:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

  • Sudden dizziness

  • Confusion

  • Severe or persistent vomiting

Q: How many Penn students have reported having H1N1 flu? How many Penn students have reported having flu-like symptoms?

A: For the week of October 10-17, 160 students reported influenza-like illness to Student Health Service. For October 5 -11, the number was 137 students.

The cases of influenza-like illness at Penn have been consistent with reports nationally that the illness ranges from mild to severe, and most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment. Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, Student Health Service tests for the H1N1 virus only in specific circumstances such as patients who are at risk for complications with flu.

Q: Where can I find out more about the prevention and treatment of influenza?

A: Official US Government Information: www.flu.gov

Penn Student Health Service: www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs

Q: What is Penn doing to prepare for influenza this academic year?

A: The University of Pennsylvania continues to monitor the international outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza and prepare for the possibility that this world-wide pandemic will significantly impact our campus during the academic year. We continue to work closely with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other health officials to help reduce the risk of infection for the Penn community and to plan for possible disruptions to our normal operations.

Guidance to help students, faculty, staff, and others prepare for influenza can be found in the report, Preparing for Influenza at Penn and ongoing updates provided at this site.

Q: Should I cancel or postpone my travel plans, within the United States or internationally due to influenza?

A: Travelers should follow guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US State Department and take appropriate precautions prior to traveling. Contact Office of International Programs with questions or concerns regarding Penn-sponsored international programs.

Q: What is Penn doing to promote routine cleaning as a measure to prevent the spread of influenza?

A: Penn employees are being encouraged to purchase flu prevention supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, and disinfectant wipes through established procedures for obtaining office supplies. For details on purchasing these items, visit http://www.purchasing.upenn.edu/buyinfo/flu.php.
Penn students are also being encouraged to purchase these flu prevention supplies for their living spaces. The entire community is asked to frequently clean high touch surfaces such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, and counters as a measure to prevent the spread of influenza.
For questions or suggestions about Penn's housekeeping and cleaning services, contact the Facilities and Real Estate Services Area Manager for your building. For list of Area Managers, visit http://www.facilities.upenn.edu/serv_repair.php. Students living on campus should contact a residential staff member with concerns or questions about housekeeping.

Q: Considerations for those at high risk for influenza complications

A: According to the CDC, groups at higher risk of complications from flu include: children younger than age 5; adults age 65 or older; children and adolescents (younger than age 18) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for Reye’s Syndrome after flu virus infection; pregnant women; adults and children who have asthma, or other chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes; and adults and children with immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV). Adults age 65 and older, however, appear to be at lower risk of 2009 H1N1 infection than younger people. However, they are at increased risk of having a severe illness if they do get sick. Anyone at higher risk of complications who develops flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately. 

Q: What should I do if I am exposed to someone who has influenza-like illness?

A: You should monitor yourself for symptoms and continue to go to work or class as usual. Avoid face to face contact with anyone who has influenza-like illness. If you are at high risk for influenza complications, contact your health care provider for guidance.

Q: I am the parent of a young child. Where can I get more information about influenza as it relates to caring for my child?

A: The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has an excellent website with information about influenza and young children: Be Smart About the Flu.