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Pandemic Flu
H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)
The University continues to monitor information and guidance from the CDC, the New York State and County Health Departments about H1N1 Influenza (Flu) in our region.
All students, faculty and staff are urged to monitor reports of influenza in our region and other areas that they are traveling to, remain aware of advisories, and take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Here are a few things that you can do to prevent the spread of the flu.
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home and away from large gatherings if you are sick with influenza-like-illness (ILI) - fever with either cough or sore throat. (Note: CDC recommends that individuals with an ILI limit their contact with other people as much as possible and to stay home for 7 days after their symptoms begin or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.)
H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new outbreak of novel influenza A virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. On April 26, 2009, the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services declared a Public Health Emergency nationwide. The declaration enabled State and localities to receive quicker access to vital resources, and other necessary assistance. In New York State, Governor David A. Paterson activated New York State's health emergency preparedness plan on April 26, 2009, and put the State on high alert to quickly identify and respond to any cases of the influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to take aggressive action to reduce the spread and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public.
Use the following links to learn more>>
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people there is no vaccine. The disease spreads easily person-to-person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time. It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. Wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Countries might, through measures such as border closures and travel restrictions, delay arrival of the virus, but cannot stop it. Learn more >
Stony Brook University has formed a Pandemic Flu Planning team to develop policies, procedures and other information to raise awareness and ensure an appropriate response to a pandemic influenza. The team is working with the State University of New York (SUNY) on the development and implementation of our plan. Some of the policies have been developed centrally by SUNY System Administration to address issues that need to be consistent across the SUNY system. The team is also working with New York State and Suffolk County department of health, and other emergency management agencies to ensure communications and integration with other response plans. The planning and response to a pandemic flu will require the awareness and involvement of all University Departments, students, faculty, and staff.
Guidance Document
The Pandemic Flu Planning Team is reviewing the new federal government guidance document (2/1/07) for prevention and mitigation steps that can be used on campus to protect us from the potential pandemic flu. The document is recommended reading for everyone to help them prepare for what will be occurring in the community.
The full document, Interim Pre-pandemic Planning Guidance: Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation in the United States - Early Targeted Layered use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions is available on the Pandemic Flu website.
Related Links
» Official U.S. Government website for Pandemic Flu and Current Influenza Outbreaks
» Official New York State Department of Health website for Pandemic Influenza
» Stony Brook University Emergency Management website
(Note: Emergency Status Bulletins related to Pandemic Flu
conditions will be posted at this website.)
