Office of International Studies - University of Notre Dame

H1N1 Virus and Students Studying Abroad:

A Message from the University of Notre Dame Office of International Studies

November 20, 2009

Dear Students and Parents:

Many people are concerned about the novel H1N1 flu virus. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that this new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from person-to-person, probably like seasonal flu. Symptoms of this virus are similar to symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Most people who have been sick with this virus recover at home without treatment. For more information on H1N1 and students studying abroad, go to: "Studying Abroad During Flu Season": http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StudyAbroad/.

Health authorities around the world have stipulated that it is impossible to precisely predict how H1N1 may affect various countries. These same authorities have clarified that the majority of population are not at risk of developing serious symptoms from H1N1. In most cases of those who contract the virus, only seasonal flu symptoms are expected and only the standard treatment for seasonal flu is necessary (antivirals are available in many locations). Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children are more likely to get complications from influenza. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.

It is recommended that you seek medical care if you experience any of the following signs of complications:

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever returns after being absent for a day, or a significant fever pattern occurs. For example, it was 101 degrees for several days and now it is 103 degrees.
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not urinating as much as usual
Trouble breathing
Sudden dizziness and/or confusion
Pain or pressure in the chest and/or abdomen
Bluish or gray skin color

University Health Services (UHS) at Notre Dame has indicated that at this time, the H1N1 virus is communicated by droplet (coughing, sneezing, touching respiratory droplets on yourself, another person, or an object, and then touching mucus membranes – mouth, nose, eyes – without washing hands). Due to this, it is of utmost importance that the following prevention techniques be employed:

Strongly consider seeing UHS or your family physician to obtain the H1N1 vaccine prior to leaving for your off-site location.
Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Wash for 15-20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based cleaner.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of tissue after use. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs are more easily spread this way.
If you have flu-like symptoms, please limit contact with others to keep from infecting them for seven days, or for 24 hours after symptoms resolve.

Your on-site program will provide you with specific information on precautionary measures and the appropriate steps to take for treatment should you contract H1N1. Should you contract H1N1, or any other illness, please notify your on-site program director immediately. He or she will have information about limiting exposure to other students, as well as treatment facilities. Additionally, you can also contact your study abroad insurance provider, HTH Worldwide, for information about treatment facilities and to schedule an appointment with a local health provider.

Further information on H1N1 and general travel can be found from your program manager at Notre Dame and at the following websites:

"Studying Abroad During Flu Season": http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StudyAbroad/

CDC: www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx

European CDC: http://ecdc.europa.eu/

World Health Organization: www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

US Department of Health and Human Services: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

University Health Services: http://uhs.nd.edu/

Office of International Studies Health & Safety page: http://www.nd.edu/~ois/Health_and_Safety/Health_and_Safety.html

It is our sincere hope that your abroad experience will be safe and illness-free. Please do not hesitate to contact your program manager at Notre Dame should you have any other concerns or questions. Office of International Studies contact information can be found at http://www.nd.edu/~ois/Contact_Info/Contact_Info.html. Please also reference all communications from University Health Services, and your local program director/provider regarding the H1N1 virus.

Bon Voyage,

The Office of International Studies

The University of Notre Dame

152 Hurley Hall

Notre Dame, IN 46556

(574) 631-5882

FAX: (574) 631-5711