H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

The University is closely monitoring information and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health and the Suffolk County Health Departments about H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) in our region.

While there have been no known cases of swine flu at Stony Brook University, all students, faculty, and staff are urged to monitor reports of influenza, both in our region and in travel destinations, to remain aware of advisories, and to take everyday actions to stay healthy.

In the event of a local outbreak or other conditions warranting emergency communication, advisories will be posted on the SB Alert page.

What is H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)?
According to the CDC, Novel influenza A (H1N1) is a new flu virus of swine origin that was first detected in April, 2009. The virus is infecting people and is spreading from person-to-person, and has sparked a growing outbreak of illness in the United States with an increasing number of cases being reported internationally as well.

CDC anticipates that there will be more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths associated with this new virus in the coming days and weeks because the population has little to no immunity against it.

Classes Remain in Session during Current Flu Conditions

The flu season will last through the fall and winter. More than one kind of flu virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to follow these recommendations to stay healthy.

At this time, students, faculty, and staff who are NOT sick can come to class and to work. We are working closely with the Suffolk County health department and will keep you updated with any important information regarding the current flu conditions.

We will continue to monitor the flu situation as it develops and will keep you informed of any changes.

Updates will be posted on this website with a link from the Stony Brook University home page. Emergency communications will be posted on SB Alert.

Steps for Students, Faculty, and Staff to Prevent the Spread of Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu:

Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Cover your mouth and nose 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 hands.

Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu. Vaccination information can be found at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination. Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean surfaces and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact such as desks, doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas with cleaning agents or alcohol-based wipes.

If you are sick with the flu, follow these steps to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy.

Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider's office.

Stay in a separate room and avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they are in the room.

Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.

Contact your health care provider or Student Health Services if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older.

Contact a health care provider or Student Health Services if your symptoms are getting worse.

If you are having difficulty breathing and need to go to the hospital, contact University Police at 911 from campus phones or 632-3333 from non-campus phones.

If flu conditions become MORE severe, students, faculty, and staff should consider the following steps:

Extend the time you stay home or at your residence to at least 7 days, even if you feel better sooner. If you are still sick after 7 days, continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have completely gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Prepare for the possible suspension of classes by planning to continue your work at home (e.g., homework packets, Web-based lessons, phone calls), and find a place where you can stay either by going to your home, home of a relative, or close friend of the family.

Additional information about the swine flu and influenza may be found on the following websites:

Stony Brook University
http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/pandemicflu/

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

NYS Department of Health
http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/swine_flu/index.htm

Suffolk County Department of Health
http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/healthservices/H1N1.aspx