Dear students, faculty, staff and parents,
As you may know, flu can be spread easily from person to person. Public health officials anticipate a resurgence of H1N1 this fall, and we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for as long as possible, but, we need your help to accomplish this.
We are working closely with the Southern Nevada Health District to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.
For now, we are doing everything we can to keep our institution operating as usual. Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering 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. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever 100 degrees Fahrenheit or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). Prepare by keeping a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues and other related items that might be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
- Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). The Student Wellness Center will offer free seasonal flu immunizations ($15 for faculty and staff) and H1N1 immunizations when available. See our website for more information
If you develop symptoms of the flu, fever or chills and cough or sore throat.
- Stay at your place of residence, 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. If you live in on- campus housing talk to your residence hall advisor regarding self isolating measures that are in place.
- Increase your fluid intake, staying hydrated will aid in your recovery, attempt to drink a minimum of 16 oz non caffeinated beverages (water, electrolyte drinks) per day.
- Get plenty of rest, this will aid in your recovery as your energy can be spent on fighting your illness.
- Wear a face mask, if you can tolerate one, if you must go out in public.
- Wash your hands frequently to avoid spreading germs to others.
- Use over the counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and other symptoms. Follow the directions on the packages for dosing
- Call your health care provider immediately:
- If you are at higher risk of complications from the flu, if you are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, or are 65 years of age or older.
- If you have cold or flu symptoms and are not sure if you should see a health care provider for treatment.
- If your symptoms are getting worse.
- For any specific questions that you may have regarding your health.
- Seek emergency care, if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Sources of Credible Information
Currently, the UNLV website is your best source for credible information about the campus. This site will be updated as needed and bulletins will also be distributed via UNLV Official email to campus.
In addition, the latest details about the swine flu situation are available via the web links below.
Emergency Planning and Operations
UNLV developed a pandemic flu response plan after reports of avian flu in the news media several years ago.
Should the Novel H1N1 flu situation escalate to a higher level, the communications channels will likely be expanded to include the UNLV emergency notification system (text/email/phone) and direct communication from the administration through deans and supervisors. If you have not already signed up to receive UNLV emergency messages, please complete the brief sign up process.
Event Cancellations and Closures
The Southern Nevada Health District has not made any recommendations to cancel public events or university classes; however, ill people are asked to avoid public locations and crowded venues.
Stay Informed
Please regularly check this webpage for the latest information about how the swine flu situation is affecting the campus.
Related Links
