H1N1 Influenza Update

About RRC

H1N1 Influenza Update

H1N1 Influenza Update

Last updated: Monday, November 23, 2009

Status: At present all classes and activities at Red River College are operating as normal

The following information has been prepared to provide Red River College students and staff with information on RRC’s Pandemic Influenza preparations, as well as to provide information about influenza and steps each person can take to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of the virus.

Pandemic Planning began at RRC in the spring with the first outbreak of the H1N1 virus. A new Pandemic Influenza Plan was approved in June and is part of the Colleges Emergency Response Plan.

Please regularly check the RRC website for information and updates. In addition, new material may be distributed through All-Staff or All-Student email notification.

Attention: Help stop the spread of influenza or germs.

All students and staff are urged to wash their hands regularly. If you open a door or touch a common surface with your hand you should wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer before touching your face or rubbing your eyes. If there is not a bottle of hand sanitizer in your area, then people are urged to carry their own personal bottles of sanitizer.

Note: Red River College will not be offering flu vaccinations this year. Click for more info.

RRC’s Institutional Goals (regarding pandemic planning)

What is influenza (the flu)? Influenza is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. It can cause a variety of symptoms, such as fever, cough, aches and physical exhaustion. People usually recover from the flu without medical help. However, very young children and the elderly have a higher risk of severe illness, as well as people with lowered immunity (ex: those with chronic illnesses). Everyone should be vigilant of the symptoms of influenza, in particular of when to seek medical assistance.

How is influenza spread? Influenza spreads easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing respiratory droplets into the air. It is also spread by hand-to-hand contact with an infected person, or after handling objects contaminated by infected people. The virus can survive on hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, on cloth, paper or tissue for up to 12 hours and on hands for about five minutes, long enough for you to inadvertently touch your mouth, nose or eyes and transfer the virus to your body.

People can spread influenza up to 24 hours before symptoms appear and up to seven days after. Not everyone who gets influenza develops symptoms but they still may be able to spread it to others, especially if they cough or sneeze.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

sudden fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher,
cough, AND
one or more of the following: sore throat, muscle aches, or physical exhaustion.
Children may also feel sick to their stomach, vomit or have diarrhea, but these symptoms are uncommon in adults.
Elderly people and people with lowered immunity may not develop a fever.

How do I know if I have a fever? Fever is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or other illness. You have a fever if body temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.