H1N1 (swine flu) Information for Students, Faculty & Staff

U.Va. Hospital epidemiologist informs community about dealing with H1N1 cases

June 24, 2009 -- On Tuesday, June 23, the University of Virginia Medical Center's epidemiologist, Dr. Keri Hall, sent an email to all Medical Center employees informing them that a small number of healthcare employees had been diagnosed with novel H1N1 influenza. As has been widely reported, the symptoms of this virus have ranged from very mild, cold-like symptoms to more severe influenza symptoms. It is generally being described as seasonal flu.

Dr. Hall advised U.Va. Hospital staff that they should not come to work if they develop flu-like symtoms. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Employees were asked to immediately contact Employee Health to be evaluated if they had any worrisome symptoms.

"Please be vigilant about noticing any visitors who appear to be ill or have a significant cough," Hall added. "Sick visitors should be asked to avoid visiting until their symptoms have resolved."

She also reminded Hospital employees to be extremely careful about following proper hand hygiene procedures while caring for patients. "Take the necessary precautions to protect our patients and your colleagues by adhering to these recommendations," Hall said.

Here are some simple disease prevention measures that all individuals should follow:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Prevent the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them when you are ill.
• Call your health care provider if you become ill with influenza-like symptoms.