PANDEMIC FLU FAQS
For inquiries regarding the contents of this document, contact the Office of Emergency Management at 404-413-0783 or [email protected].
EMERGENCIES: 911
H1N1 General Info
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this virus. It spreads from person-to-person, probably in much the same way regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
The virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in it were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. Further study has shown the virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
Yes. Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from the virus. An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. The CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
The CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads among people.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
It’s not known at this time how severe novel H1N1 flu virus will be in the population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1 virus infection.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak. The CDC is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. Early reports indicate no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have antibodies to H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any antibody.
The CDC is still learning about the severity of novel H1N1 flu virus. At this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe novel H1N1 flu outbreak will be in terms of illness and death or how it will compare with seasonal influenza.
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
So far, with novel H1N1 flu, the largest number of novel H1N1 flu confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high-risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1.
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Doorknobs, water faucet or commode-flushing handles, desks or counter tops and other hard, non-porous surfaces touched by a high volume of people are the most likely sites for viruses to be spread from person to person.
The CDC believes this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.
No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC-recommended disinfectant levels do not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by the CDC (1–3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2–5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Vaccine Info
With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season. ACIP met to consider who should receive H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccination recommendations are available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0821a1.htm.
Every flu season has the potential to cause a lot of illness, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. The CDC is concerned that the H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe flu season. Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. The CDC recommends vaccination against seasonal and H1N1 flu to prevent influenza this year. The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against H1N1 influenza. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, met to make recommendations on who should receive the H1N1 vaccine While some issues are still unknown, such as how severe the flu season, the ACIP considered several factors, including disease patterns, populations most at-risk for severe illness based on trends in illness, hospitalizations and deaths, how much vaccine is expected to be available, and the timing of vaccine availability.
The groups recommended to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity.
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age:
– Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
– Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work and study in close proximity and they are a frequently mobile population. - Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
While we expect there will be enough vaccine available for anyone who wishes to receive it, the ACIP also made recommendations regarding which people within the groups listed above should receive the first available doses. For more information see the CDC press release CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against H1N1.
Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should also begin vaccinating everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years. Studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older.
For additional information on the H1N1 vaccine, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/
Prevention & Treatment
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Vaccines for H1N1 are in production, but will only be distributed to high-risk groups.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm, preferably into a fabric that can absorb the water molecules that contain the virus. This will help reduce the amount of the virus that is being circulated in the air.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or if you touch your nose or mouth. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs and viruses spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
- Follow public health and university advice about school closures, avoidance of crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. A supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for seven days after yoursymptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the wastebasket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions, including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. For more information, see Section 6 – Human Resources.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. The CDC recommends that when you wash your hands – with soap and warm water – that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. People have to touch the water faucet handles with unwashed hands in order to turn on the water, so the faucet handles will often be a prime spot where germs and viruses will be found. After you wash your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the water. This will keep your hands free from germs or viruses when you are done. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work. The alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
- 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
Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.
”Swine flu parties” are gatherings during which people have close contact with a person who has H1N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus. The intent of these parties is to become infected with what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural immunity to the novel H1N1 flu virus that might circulate later and cause more severe disease.
The CDC does not recommend “swine flu parties” as a way to protect against novel H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current novel H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.
The CDC recommends people with novel H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. They should stay home from work or school for 7 days after the onset of illness or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
Contamination & Cleaning
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics) and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and viruses and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs and viruses can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches her or his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
References & Resources
At this time, the best source of pandemic influenza information is the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the event a pandemic poses a threat to the university community, officials will issue regular updates through a variety of vehicles. Consolidated information from various local, state and federal agencies will be distributed to students, faculty and staff when necessary. If the situation begins affecting Georgia State, updates will be posted to the university’s website at www.gsu.edu.
The following websites cover a large range of topics concerning H1N1 Influenza:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/homecare/
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/antiviral.htm
University Planning
As part of our comprehensive Emergency Management Program, Georgia State has been preparing for a public health emergency for a number of years. Georgia State’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide timely and relevant information to students, faculty and staff that addresses the challenges posed by the new H1N1 virus.
Georgia State is working with state and local health departments to enhance surveillance in Georgia and Fulton County and maintains communication with our community. It is also important to recognize the continued leadership and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which continues to issue new and updated interim guidance for clinicians, public health professionals and the public for the prevention and treatment of this new virus.
As new information becomes available, Georgia State will update students, faculty and staff through regular updates through various media.
Georgia State University has an established Pandemic Influenza Task Force and written plan. We have very close working relationships with local hospitals—which have sophisticated disaster plans—as well as with local, state and federal health officials and our Pandemic Task Force is closely monitoring the H1N1 outbreaks to best protect the campus. The task force is reviewing its pandemic plans and has asked specific emergency coordinators to update their departmental plans.
Representatives from the University Pandemic Task Force are in close contact with the Fulton County Health & Wellness Department, State and County Emergency officials, and Senior Officials from the CDC. University Emergency Management officials regularly participate in meetings and briefings with the previously mentioned agencies.
Georgia State has a comprehensive emergency management program under the guidance of a full-time emergency planner. It includes a formal emergency operations plan for preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies. The university uses a virtual emergency operations center to coordinate response to major emergencies and trained employees staff the center. Georgia State regularly conducts training sessions and emergency exercises. It is part of a regional emergency management system and is in compliance with state and federal standards for managing emergencies.
Georgia State has numerous methods to communicate with our community – webpage, emails, phone/cell, SMS/text, printed materials, television and radio. The primary means to communicate with our community during this pandemic will be provided in the form of a dedicated H1N1 web-page and email notifications. If you require more information, contact [email protected].
The H1N1 Flu website encourages people to be aware of H1N1 flu’s symptoms, similar to those of seasonal flu, and to take steps to prevent infection. Questions about the Georgia State response can be sent to [email protected].
There are no changes to university operations or activities as a result of the declared pandemic due to the novel H1N1 influenza.
Georgia State takes its lead from the Fulton County Health & Wellness Department and other public health agencies. The situation does not warrant canceling classes or major events. Health officials say the flu itself appears to be mild, and most patients recover on their own. The primary focus of public health measures is to contain the spread of this virus by prevention education and identifying, isolating and treating suspected cases so they do not infect others.
During a declared public health emergency, it is the responsibility of the public health departments at the county and state levels to issue comprehensive orders, direct cancellation of mass gathering events or closures of facilities, designate key healthcare facilities and distribute anti-viral medications. This authority encompasses all private citizens, businesses and campus operations. All segments of Georgia State University will work closely with the local Georgia State public health offices to comply with all guidance and recommendations.
At this time, Georgia State has no reason to cancel classes or close the university. Georgia State’s Student Health and Wellness Center regularly screens students who are concerned that they may have Influenza.
Campus-wide steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students. The university has posted a good deal of information to a special H1N1 (swine flu) web site linked from its home page and is updating the site as more information becomes available. You are encouraged to periodically check this web-page for updated information and stay informed.
Georgia State also is taking steps to educate members of its community about prevention, the symptoms of this flu, and what to do if one becomes sick. Georgia State has a Student Health and Wellness Center and its health care professionals are available to treat any students who are symptomatic with flu-like illness.
Georgia State’s Pandemic Task Force and Emergency Management officials are consulting with the Fulton County Health Department, the Georgia Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn best practices to protect our students and university community.
The best single site for H1N1 information is the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) –http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. For specific information related to Georgia State, our university has posted a substantial amount of information to its web site, including frequently asked questions and links to county, state, national and international health agency web sites. On Georgia State’s H1N1 web site, you will find recommendations about prevention, symptoms and what to do if you get sick.
Georgia State recommends you consult with your physician. If your health care provider advises you against coming to Georgia State’s campus, you should contact your faculty members to make alternative arrangements for completing your semester. If you are unable to reach faculty members, you should contact the department chair in that academic area. Names of department chairs can be found on the departmental web site.
The H1N1 influenza virus should be treated like any other influenza – special precautions or actions are not necessary at this time.
Cleaning beyond your normal custodial routine is not considered necessary. The virus does not travel through HVAC systems and it does not live on surfaces for longer than a few hours. Using antibacterial wipes on shared keyboards, phones and doorknobs is a good practice to prevent the spread of any virus or bacteria.
Facemasks are not being recommended for healthy people. On the other hand, a facemask can prevent someone who is ill from spreading the virus when they cough or sneeze. If you have an influenza-like illness, you should STAY HOME. If you do have to go out, wear a face mask to protect others.
Everyone should come to work or class as usual as long as they do not have flu-like symptoms, even if they may have been exposed to the influenza virus through contact with someone who is ill.
It is up to you to determine if you want to let others know. You do not need to provide this information through some of your colleagues may appreciate knowing if they’ve been exposed, especially those with other health issues. The H1N1 influenza virus should be treated like any other influenza – if you would not take those actions for the seasonal flu, you don’t have to take them for the H1N1 flu.
The symptoms of H1N1 appear to be similar to the seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People infected with the H1N1 virus also have experienced diarrhea and vomiting.
Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness, contact your physician or Student Health Clinic and stay home for at least 7 days after symptoms start or for 24 hours after symptoms go away, whichever is longer. If your symptoms persist more than 7 days, contact your physician.
H1N1 influenza is different than the seasonal flu because it is a novel (new) virus that has not existed previously, and people have not developed immunity. There will continue to be cases of flu-like illness among students and staff on campus and in the community.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The best thing you can do is to follow good health hygiene rules:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and throw the tissue away after you use it. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into clothing — i.e. your sleeve rather than your bare hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs and viruses spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Flu vaccines are made for a specific strain of the influenza virus. Because this is a new virus, the vaccine for it is being manufactured but won’t be available until the fall.
Human Resources/ Payroll
The pandemic influenza virus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People with swine flu also can have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, the pandemic influenza in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.
Persons who may have been exposed to the influenza virus and develop an illness with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, should contact their health care provider. Their healthcare provider will determine whether influenza testing is needed.
You should contact your healthcare provider to determine whether influenza testing is needed. The Aldridge Health Center is a primary care neighborhood site operated by Fulton County Dept. of Health and Wellness at 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA. The center provides services on a walk-in basis. Tests are available on a sliding fee scale serving people who may not have a primary care physician.
No, it won’t protect you against pandemic influenza, but flu shots can help you to stay healthy.
There are several precautions to take when providing care to a household or family member who is sick with influenza. You should contact your healthcare provider to obtain advice on your particular situation, and follow university policy regarding workplace reporting procedures.
The emergency support functions of the GSU Police Dept involve enforcing laws and campus policy to serve the diverse public, prevent and detect criminal activity, and to reduce fears of the public through community interaction. The Police Dept will provide a coordinated response to assist the campus community in responding to an influenza pandemic event. The level of response to an influenza outbreak will depend upon the potential for direct impact to the campus community.
If you suspect someone at work has symptoms of the influenza virus, it is suggested that you consult with your supervisor or manager.
As a manager, you may check the sick and vacation balances of your employees on the ADP eTIME system. Or, you may contact Patricia Murphy at 3-3311 to determine the availability of sick/vacation hours. Employees can also view their sick and vacation balances through the ADP eTIME system.
If you notice that you have Flu like symptoms please contact your primary care physician. Even if you do not have the pandemic influenza virus, you may be ill due to another contagious virus that will contaminate and/or infect others in your office space. Please be courteous to your co-workers and contact a physician if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. If you are absent from work due to flu-like illness, please contact your immediate supervisor. If you are unable to reach your supervisor please contact Employee Development and Wellness (EDWS) at 404-413-3340 and speak with Cheryl Johnson Ransaw, Director.
Your time away from the office may be paid or unpaid depending on the circumstances:
- The University/Department is closed due to contamination- In this instance you will be paid for time away from the office. This instance will be treated just as any other University closing where employees are paid for their time away: vacation or sick leave will not be deducted.
- The office remains open and is not closed due to contamination- if the University or Department is not closed then sick or vacation time will be deducted for time away from the office. If an employee does not have accrued time then the time will be designated as unpaid leave.
An employee may report their sick time through the eTIME system via the OneUSG Connect portal at https://onesource.uga.edu/resources/oneusg_connect_system/ Or, the supervisor of the employee may enter the leave of an employee who is out sick and unable to access their timecard on eTIME.
If the employee has no leave and is out sick, the supervisor should update the current timecard and indicate sick leave. Next the supervisor should notify Corrin Sorteberg by email that the employee began to leave on mm/dd/. Then the employee will be notified by HR-Benefits to make a request for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Yes, counseling is available to employees through Faculty and Staff Assistance (FASA), the internal Employee Assistance Program (EAP), coordinated through the Office of Employee Development and Wellness Services, a unit within the Human Resources Dept. FASA is a special benefit offering confidential services including consultations, assessments, referrals, and short-term counseling at no cost to GSU employees and eligible family/household members. For information and assistance, call 404-413-3342. You may also visit the FASA web site.
Please report all cases of pandemic influenza virus to the Director of EDWS, Cheryl Johnson Ransaw. You may reach EDWS at 404-413-3340. Cheryl Johnson Ransaw will work with you to determine if your office needs to be closed, for how long and the procedures for testing for the remaining staff.
When an employee calls you to report that they are out due to pandemic influenza virus or related symptoms please request that they bring in medical documentation to support their time out of the office. If they are unable to produce this medical documentation please contact Employee Relations at 404-413-3308 to discuss how to proceed.
PantherTemps is a resource of temporary staffing available through Georgia State University. They can be reached at 404-413-3270
If you need assistance with re-assigning duties and responsibilities contact the Office of Classification and Compensation in Human Resources at 404-413-3284.
The following information will be needed:
- The name and title of the incumbent(s) whose duties are being re-assigned
- List the duties that will be re-assigned.
- The name and title of the incumbent(s) who will be performing the re-assigned duties
- Recent organizational chart.
Academics
At this time, Georgia State is operating as usual and is not canceling classes and university-sponsored events as a result of the H1N1 influenza (also known as the swine flu). If you are well, attend class. If you are suffering from the flu or have flu-like symptoms, you should not attend class.
For information about the cancellation of individual classes, please look for e-mail messages from your instructor or from his or her department. These will be sent to your official GSU e-mail address.
In the event a wider emergency or University closing, Georgia State will post information on the University’s web site, send information through PAWS, and inform local media outlets. Georgia State will also send information to your official GSU e-mail address. Please check these sources regularly for updates. Should GSU cancel major university-sponsored events, the information will be posted to the university’s home page.
You should first call or e-mail the faculty member who teaches your class. If you are unable to reach your faculty member, you should contact the office of the department that offers the class. Contact information for departments, as well as the names of departmental chairs, can be found on department web sites.
You should not attend class if you are suffering from the flu or have flu-like symptoms. E-mail or call your instructor for further instructions. It is important that you do so before the exam, quiz, or assignment due date if possible.
Right now, there is no need for the university to change its class schedule or to alter the academic calendar. Should class suspension become necessary, information will be posted on the University’s home page and PAWS, and messages will be sent to your official GSU e-mail account. Please check these sources regularly.
Right now, there is no need for the university to cancel commencement or any other university-sponsored activities. However, should the university decide to cancel commencement or offer an alternative ceremony format or date, the University will post information to the GSU home page and PAWS, send notices to your official GSU e-mail address, and inform local media outlets. Please check these sources regularly. If the University holds commencement and you choose not to attend due to the flu outbreak or if the University cancels commencement, you will be welcome to participate in a future ceremony. Details will be announced as appropriate
If a decision is made to cancel classes or close the university, information about the start of the next semester will be made available through the GSU homepage, PAWS, and official GSU e-mail. Please check these sources regularly.
On-Campus Housing
Georgia State’s Student Health and Wellness Center continuously screens students who are concerned that they may have the flu or flu-like symptoms.
Campus-wide, steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare, and safety of our students. In residence halls, the university has instituted more rigorous sanitation procedures of public areas, such as utilizing additional anti-bacterial products throughout the campus. Additionally, students have been given information about preventative hygiene to help prevent transmission of the flu.
Your student may move if there is a vacancy in our system. If not, your student may stay in their assignment and we will provide our residents with a N95 mask, or your student may choose to temporarily commute.
The residents may disinfect their own apartment with consumer-based products available at any retail store.
Typically, the virus is active for 150 – 165 hours. This time is similar to the flu virus that circulates in a normal flu season where refunds are not provided.
Our University Student Health Clinic will provide antiviral medications for your student or medications can be provided by the student’s primary care physician if they desire.
Advise your student to use a tissue when sneezing and throw the tissue away. Wash hands with warm soap and water often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not touch hands to the eyes or mouth.
We will provide a N95 respirator mask to all the residents in the apartment. We will spend time with the residents of the apartment explaining their options while recovery is occurring. We can also assist with connecting your student to campus resources equipped to provide services.
It is recommended that sick students stay in their apartment until the symptoms subside. The Student Health Clinic will send a nurse to your student’s apartment. Call 404-413-1930 to make arrangements.
The Panther’s Guide to Community Living (page 24) provides information on the precautions all residents should take to stay healthy everyday and through the flu season. The university is actively distributing information to students on the novel H1N1 influenza virus and mitigation, prevention, response and recovery techniques.
The flu will progress quicker than a cold. The flu will also raise body temperature above 100.5 degrees. A cold generally does not cause body temperature to rise above 100.5 degrees.
No. University Housing will not quarantine floors in the residence halls due to space restrictions. Students 18 years and over may choose where they prefer to get well; home or in the residence hall.
Students with flu-like symptoms should not dine in the Freshman Hall. The first preference is that the sick resident goes home until he or she gets well.
The CDC does not recommend taking pre-exposure anti-virals for the AH1N1
swine-origin flu. Anti-viral treatment will be provided post exposure and post-symptomatic.
One of the best sources for accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/.
Study Abroad
Georgia State’s Student Health and Wellness Center continuously screens students who are concerned that they may have the flu or flu-like-symptoms.
Campus-wide, steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students. In residence halls, the university has instituted more rigorous sanitation procedures of public areas, such as utilizing additional anti-bacterial products throughout the campus. Additionally, students have been given information about preventative hygiene to help prevent transmission of the flu.
Your student may move if there is a vacancy in our system. If not, your student may stay in their assignment and we will provide our residents a N95 mask, or your student may choose to temporarily commute.
The residents may disinfect their own apartment with consumer-based products available at any retail store.
Typically, the virus is active for 150 – 165 hours. This time is similar to the flu virus that circulates in a normal flu season where refunds are not provided.
Our University Student Health Clinic will provide antiviral medications for your student or medications can be provided by the student’s primary care physician if they desire.
Advise your student to use a tissue when sneezing and throw the tissue away. Wash hands with warm soap and water often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not touch hands to the eyes or mouth.
We will provide a N95 respirator mask to all the residents in the apartment. We will spend time with the residents of the apartment explaining their options while recovery is occurring. We can also assist with connecting your student to campus resources equipped to provide services.
It is recommended that sick students stay in their apartment until the symptoms subside. The Student Health Clinic will send a nurse to your student’s apartment. Call 404-413-1930 to make arrangements.
The Panther’s Guide to Community Living (page 24) provides information on the precautions all residents should take to stay healthy everyday and through the flu season. The university is actively distributing information to students on the novel H1N1 influenza virus and mitigation, prevention, response and recovery techniques.
The flu will progress quicker than a cold. The flu will also raise body temperature above 100.5 degrees. A cold generally does not cause body temperature to rise above 100.5 degrees.
No. University Housing will not quarantine floors in the residence halls due to space restrictions. Students 18 years and over may chose where they prefer to get well; home or in the residence hall.
Students with flu-like symptoms should not dine in the Freshman Hall. The first preference is that the sick resident goes home until he or she gets well.
The CDC does not recommend taking pre-exposure anti-virals for the AH1N1
swine origin flu. Anti-viral treatment will be provided post exposure and post symptomatic.
One of the best sources for accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/.
H1N1 General Info
Novel H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this virus. It spreads from person-to-person, probably in much the same way regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
The virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in it were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. Further study has shown the virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
Yes. Cases of human infection with novel H1N1 influenza virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe County, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from the virus. An updated case count of confirmed novel H1N1 flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. The CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.
The CDC has determined that novel H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads among people.
The symptoms of novel H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Also, like seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.
It’s not known at this time how severe novel H1N1 flu virus will be in the population. In seasonal flu, there are certain people who are at higher risk of serious flu-related complications. This includes people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions. Early indications are that pregnancy and other previously recognized medical conditions that increase the risk of influenza-related complications, like asthma and diabetes, also appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from novel H1N1 virus infection.
One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of novel H1N1-related complications thus far in the outbreak. The CDC is conducting laboratory studies to see if certain people might have natural immunity to this virus, depending on their age. Early reports indicate no children and few adults younger than 60 years old have antibodies to H1N1 flu virus; however, about one-third of adults older than 60 may have antibodies against this virus. It is unknown how much, if any, protection may be afforded against novel H1N1 flu by any antibody.
The CDC is still learning about the severity of novel H1N1 flu virus. At this time, there is not enough information to predict how severe novel H1N1 flu outbreak will be in terms of illness and death or how it will compare with seasonal influenza.
With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65.
So far, with novel H1N1 flu, the largest number of novel H1N1 flu confirmed and probable cases have occurred in people between the ages of 5 and 24-years-old. At this time, there are few cases and no deaths reported in people older than 64 years old, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high-risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1.
Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Doorknobs, water faucet or commode-flushing handles, desks or counter tops and other hard, non-porous surfaces touched by a high volume of people are the most likely sites for viruses to be spread from person to person.
The CDC believes this virus has the same properties in terms of spread as seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The CDC is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.
No. Novel H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get infected with novel HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
Tap water that has been treated by conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. Drinking water treatment regulations provide a high degree of protection from viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 flu virus to conventional drinking water treatment processes. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 would also be similarly inactivated by chlorination. To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.
Influenza viruses infect the human upper respiratory tract. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure. Recreational water that has been treated at CDC-recommended disinfectant levels do not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. No research has been completed on the susceptibility of novel H1N1 influenza virus to chlorine and other disinfectants used in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains and other treated recreational venues. However, recent studies have demonstrated that free chlorine levels recommended by the CDC (1–3 parts per million [ppm or mg/L] for pools and 2–5 ppm for spas) are adequate to disinfect avian influenza A (H5N1) virus. It is likely that other influenza viruses such as novel H1N1 virus would also be similarly disinfected by chlorine.
Yes, recreational water venues are no different than any other group setting. The spread of this novel H1N1 flu is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Vaccine Info
With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty about what the upcoming flu season might bring, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season. ACIP met to consider who should receive H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccination recommendations are available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr58e0821a1.htm.
Every flu season has the potential to cause a lot of illness, doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. The CDC is concerned that the H1N1 flu virus could result in a particularly severe flu season. Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. The CDC recommends vaccination against seasonal and H1N1 flu to prevent influenza this year. The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against H1N1 influenza. The H1N1 vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine – it is intended to be used along-side seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel made up of medical and public health experts, met to make recommendations on who should receive the H1N1 vaccine While some issues are still unknown, such as how severe the flu season, the ACIP considered several factors, including disease patterns, populations most at-risk for severe illness based on trends in illness, hospitalizations and deaths, how much vaccine is expected to be available, and the timing of vaccine availability.
The groups recommended to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine include:
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity.
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age:
– Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
– Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work and study in close proximity and they are a frequently mobile population. - Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
While we expect there will be enough vaccine available for anyone who wishes to receive it, the ACIP also made recommendations regarding which people within the groups listed above should receive the first available doses. For more information see the CDC press release CDC Advisors Make Recommendations for Use of Vaccine Against H1N1.
Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met at the local level, programs and providers should also begin vaccinating everyone from the ages of 25 through 64 years. Studies indicate that the risk for infection among persons age 65 or older is less than the risk for younger age groups. However, once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, programs and providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older.
For additional information on the H1N1 vaccine, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/
Prevention & Treatment
There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Vaccines for H1N1 are in production, but will only be distributed to high-risk groups.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the bend of your arm, preferably into a fabric that can absorb the water molecules that contain the virus. This will help reduce the amount of the virus that is being circulated in the air.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze or if you touch your nose or mouth. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs and viruses spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
- Follow public health and university advice about school closures, avoidance of crowds and other social distancing measures.
- Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so. A supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious.
If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. If you are sick, stay home for seven days after yoursymptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put your used tissue in the wastebasket. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions, including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. For more information, see Section 6 – Human Resources.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. The CDC recommends that when you wash your hands – with soap and warm water – that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. People have to touch the water faucet handles with unwashed hands in order to turn on the water, so the faucet handles will often be a prime spot where germs and viruses will be found. After you wash your hands, use a paper towel to turn off the water. This will keep your hands free from germs or viruses when you are done. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn’t need water to work. The alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
If you live in areas where people have been identified with novel H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. Staying at home means you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events and public gatherings
If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed
If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish or gray skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return with fever and worse cough
- 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
Yes. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. During the current outbreak, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe influenza illness.
”Swine flu parties” are gatherings during which people have close contact with a person who has H1N1 flu in order to become infected with the virus. The intent of these parties is to become infected with what for many people has been a mild disease, in the hope of having natural immunity to the novel H1N1 flu virus that might circulate later and cause more severe disease.
The CDC does not recommend “swine flu parties” as a way to protect against novel H1N1 flu in the future. While the disease seen in the current novel H1N1 flu outbreak has been mild for many people, it has been severe and even fatal for others. There is no way to predict with certainty what the outcome will be for an individual or, equally important, for others to whom the intentionally infected person may spread the virus.
The CDC recommends people with novel H1N1 flu avoid contact with others as much as possible. They should stay home from work or school for 7 days after the onset of illness or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
Contamination & Cleaning
Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics) and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and viruses and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs and viruses can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches her or his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
To prevent the spread of influenza virus, it is recommended that tissues and other disposable items used by an infected person be thrown in the trash. Persons should wash their hands with soap and water after touching used tissues and similar waste.
To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
Linens (such as bed sheets and towels) should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry on a hot setting. Individuals should avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating themselves. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry.
Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
References & Resources
At this time, the best source of pandemic influenza information is the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the event a pandemic poses a threat to the university community, officials will issue regular updates through a variety of vehicles. Consolidated information from various local, state and federal agencies will be distributed to students, faculty and staff when necessary. If the situation begins affecting Georgia State, updates will be posted to the university’s website at www.gsu.edu.
The following websites cover a large range of topics concerning H1N1 Influenza:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/homecare/
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1/antiviral.htm
University Planning
As part of our comprehensive Emergency Management Program, Georgia State has been preparing for a public health emergency for a number of years. Georgia State’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide timely and relevant information to students, faculty and staff that addresses the challenges posed by the new H1N1 virus.
Georgia State is working with state and local health departments to enhance surveillance in Georgia and Fulton County and maintains communication with our community. It is also important to recognize the continued leadership and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), which continues to issue new and updated interim guidance for clinicians, public health professionals and the public for the prevention and treatment of this new virus.
As new information becomes available, Georgia State will update students, faculty and staff through regular updates through various media.
Georgia State University has an established Pandemic Influenza Task Force and written plan. We have very close working relationships with local hospitals—which have sophisticated disaster plans—as well as with local, state and federal health officials and our Pandemic Task Force is closely monitoring the H1N1 outbreaks to best protect the campus. The task force is reviewing its pandemic plans and has asked specific emergency coordinators to update their departmental plans.
Representatives from the University Pandemic Task Force are in close contact with the Fulton County Health & Wellness Department, State and County Emergency officials, and Senior Officials from the CDC. University Emergency Management officials regularly participate in meetings and briefings with the previously mentioned agencies.
Georgia State has a comprehensive emergency management program under the guidance of a full-time emergency planner. It includes a formal emergency operations plan for preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies. The university uses a virtual emergency operations center to coordinate response to major emergencies and trained employees staff the center. Georgia State regularly conducts training sessions and emergency exercises. It is part of a regional emergency management system and is in compliance with state and federal standards for managing emergencies.
Georgia State has numerous methods to communicate with our community – webpage, emails, phone/cell, SMS/text, printed materials, television and radio. The primary means to communicate with our community during this pandemic will be provided in the form of a dedicated H1N1 web-page and email notifications. If you require more information, contact [email protected].
The H1N1 Flu website encourages people to be aware of H1N1 flu’s symptoms, similar to those of seasonal flu, and to take steps to prevent infection. Questions about the Georgia State response can be sent to [email protected].
There are no changes to university operations or activities as a result of the declared pandemic due to the novel H1N1 influenza.
Georgia State takes its lead from the Fulton County Health & Wellness Department and other public health agencies. The situation does not warrant canceling classes or major events. Health officials say the flu itself appears to be mild, and most patients recover on their own. The primary focus of public health measures is to contain the spread of this virus by prevention education and identifying, isolating and treating suspected cases so they do not infect others.
During a declared public health emergency, it is the responsibility of the public health departments at the county and state levels to issue comprehensive orders, direct cancellation of mass gathering events or closures of facilities, designate key healthcare facilities and distribute anti-viral medications. This authority encompasses all private citizens, businesses and campus operations. All segments of Georgia State University will work closely with the local Georgia State public health offices to comply with all guidance and recommendations.
At this time, Georgia State has no reason to cancel classes or close the university. Georgia State’s Student Health and Wellness Center regularly screens students who are concerned that they may have Influenza.
Campus-wide steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students. The university has posted a good deal of information to a special H1N1 (swine flu) web site linked from its home page and is updating the site as more information becomes available. You are encouraged to periodically check this web-page for updated information and stay informed.
Georgia State also is taking steps to educate members of its community about prevention, the symptoms of this flu, and what to do if one becomes sick. Georgia State has a Student Health and Wellness Center and its health care professionals are available to treat any students who are symptomatic with flu-like illness.
Georgia State’s Pandemic Task Force and Emergency Management officials are consulting with the Fulton County Health Department, the Georgia Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn best practices to protect our students and university community.
The best single site for H1N1 information is the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) –http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. For specific information related to Georgia State, our university has posted a substantial amount of information to its web site, including frequently asked questions and links to county, state, national and international health agency web sites. On Georgia State’s H1N1 web site, you will find recommendations about prevention, symptoms and what to do if you get sick.
Georgia State recommends you consult with your physician. If your health care provider advises you against coming to Georgia State’s campus, you should contact your faculty members to make alternative arrangements for completing your semester. If you are unable to reach faculty members, you should contact the department chair in that academic area. Names of department chairs can be found on the departmental web site.
The H1N1 influenza virus should be treated like any other influenza – special precautions or actions are not necessary at this time.
Cleaning beyond your normal custodial routine is not considered necessary. The virus does not travel through HVAC systems and it does not live on surfaces for longer than a few hours. Using antibacterial wipes on shared keyboards, phones and doorknobs is a good practice to prevent the spread of any virus or bacteria.
Facemasks are not being recommended for healthy people. On the other hand, a facemask can prevent someone who is ill from spreading the virus when they cough or sneeze. If you have an influenza-like illness, you should STAY HOME. If you do have to go out, wear a face mask to protect others.
Everyone should come to work or class as usual as long as they do not have flu-like symptoms, even if they may have been exposed to the influenza virus through contact with someone who is ill.
It is up to you to determine if you want to let others know. You do not need to provide this information through some of your colleagues may appreciate knowing if they’ve been exposed, especially those with other health issues. The H1N1 influenza virus should be treated like any other influenza – if you would not take those actions for the seasonal flu, you don’t have to take them for the H1N1 flu.
The symptoms of H1N1 appear to be similar to the seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People infected with the H1N1 virus also have experienced diarrhea and vomiting.
Stay home if you are sick. If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness, contact your physician or Student Health Clinic and stay home for at least 7 days after symptoms start or for 24 hours after symptoms go away, whichever is longer. If your symptoms persist more than 7 days, contact your physician.
H1N1 influenza is different than the seasonal flu because it is a novel (new) virus that has not existed previously, and people have not developed immunity. There will continue to be cases of flu-like illness among students and staff on campus and in the community.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. People may become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The best thing you can do is to follow good health hygiene rules:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue and throw the tissue away after you use it. Alternatively, cough or sneeze into clothing — i.e. your sleeve rather than your bare hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs and viruses spread that way.
- Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Flu vaccines are made for a specific strain of the influenza virus. Because this is a new virus, the vaccine for it is being manufactured but won’t be available until the fall.
Human Resources/ Payroll
The pandemic influenza virus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. People with swine flu also can have vomiting and diarrhea. Like seasonal flu, the pandemic influenza in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe.
Persons who may have been exposed to the influenza virus and develop an illness with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, should contact their health care provider. Their healthcare provider will determine whether influenza testing is needed.
You should contact your healthcare provider to determine whether influenza testing is needed. The Aldridge Health Center is a primary care neighborhood site operated by Fulton County Dept. of Health and Wellness at 99 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA. The center provides services on a walk-in basis. Tests are available on a sliding fee scale serving people who may not have a primary care physician.
No, it won’t protect you against pandemic influenza, but flu shots can help you to stay healthy.
There are several precautions to take when providing care to a household or family member who is sick with influenza. You should contact your healthcare provider to obtain advice on your particular situation, and follow university policy regarding workplace reporting procedures.
The emergency support functions of the GSU Police Dept involve enforcing laws and campus policy to serve the diverse public, prevent and detect criminal activity, and to reduce fears of the public through community interaction. The Police Dept will provide a coordinated response to assist the campus community in responding to an influenza pandemic event. The level of response to an influenza outbreak will depend upon the potential for direct impact to the campus community.
If you suspect someone at work has symptoms of the influenza virus, it is suggested that you consult with your supervisor or manager.
As a manager, you may check the sick and vacation balances of your employees on the ADP eTIME system. Or, you may contact Patricia Murphy at 3-3311 to determine the availability of sick/vacation hours. Employees can also view their sick and vacation balances through the ADP eTIME system.
If you notice that you have Flu like symptoms please contact your primary care physician. Even if you do not have the pandemic influenza virus, you may be ill due to another contagious virus that will contaminate and/or infect others in your office space. Please be courteous to your co-workers and contact a physician if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms. If you are absent from work due to flu-like illness, please contact your immediate supervisor. If you are unable to reach your supervisor please contact Employee Development and Wellness (EDWS) at 404-413-3340 and speak with Cheryl Johnson Ransaw, Director.
Your time away from the office may be paid or unpaid depending on the circumstances:
- The University/Department is closed due to contamination- In this instance you will be paid for time away from the office. This instance will be treated just as any other University closing where employees are paid for their time away: vacation or sick leave will not be deducted.
- The office remains open and is not closed due to contamination- if the University or Department is not closed then sick or vacation time will be deducted for time away from the office. If an employee does not have accrued time then the time will be designated as unpaid leave.
An employee may report their sick time through the eTIME system via the OneUSG Connect portal at https://onesource.uga.edu/resources/oneusg_connect_system/ Or, the supervisor of the employee may enter the leave of an employee who is out sick and unable to access their timecard on eTIME.
If the employee has no leave and is out sick, the supervisor should update the current timecard and indicate sick leave. Next the supervisor should notify Corrin Sorteberg by email that the employee began to leave on mm/dd/. Then the employee will be notified by HR-Benefits to make a request for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Yes, counseling is available to employees through Faculty and Staff Assistance (FASA), the internal Employee Assistance Program (EAP), coordinated through the Office of Employee Development and Wellness Services, a unit within the Human Resources Dept. FASA is a special benefit offering confidential services including consultations, assessments, referrals, and short-term counseling at no cost to GSU employees and eligible family/household members. For information and assistance, call 404-413-3342. You may also visit the FASA web site.
Please report all cases of pandemic influenza virus to the Director of EDWS, Cheryl Johnson Ransaw. You may reach EDWS at 404-413-3340. Cheryl Johnson Ransaw will work with you to determine if your office needs to be closed, for how long and the procedures for testing for the remaining staff.
When an employee calls you to report that they are out due to pandemic influenza virus or related symptoms please request that they bring in medical documentation to support their time out of the office. If they are unable to produce this medical documentation please contact Employee Relations at 404-413-3308 to discuss how to proceed.
PantherTemps is a resource of temporary staffing available through Georgia State University. They can be reached at 404-413-3270
If you need assistance with re-assigning duties and responsibilities contact the Office of Classification and Compensation in Human Resources at 404-413-3284.
The following information will be needed:
- The name and title of the incumbent(s) whose duties are being re-assigned
- List the duties that will be re-assigned.
- The name and title of the incumbent(s) who will be performing the re-assigned duties
- Recent organizational chart.
Academics
At this time, Georgia State is operating as usual and is not canceling classes and university-sponsored events as a result of the H1N1 influenza (also known as the swine flu). If you are well, attend class. If you are suffering from the flu or have flu-like symptoms, you should not attend class.
For information about the cancellation of individual classes, please look for e-mail messages from your instructor or from his or her department. These will be sent to your official GSU e-mail address.
In the event a wider emergency or University closing, Georgia State will post information on the University’s web site, send information through PAWS, and inform local media outlets. Georgia State will also send information to your official GSU e-mail address. Please check these sources regularly for updates. Should GSU cancel major university-sponsored events, the information will be posted to the university’s home page.
You should first call or e-mail the faculty member who teaches your class. If you are unable to reach your faculty member, you should contact the office of the department that offers the class. Contact information for departments, as well as the names of departmental chairs, can be found on department web sites.
You should not attend class if you are suffering from the flu or have flu-like symptoms. E-mail or call your instructor for further instructions. It is important that you do so before the exam, quiz, or assignment due date if possible.
Right now, there is no need for the university to change its class schedule or to alter the academic calendar. Should class suspension become necessary, information will be posted on the University’s home page and PAWS, and messages will be sent to your official GSU e-mail account. Please check these sources regularly.
Right now, there is no need for the university to cancel commencement or any other university-sponsored activities. However, should the university decide to cancel commencement or offer an alternative ceremony format or date, the University will post information to the GSU home page and PAWS, send notices to your official GSU e-mail address, and inform local media outlets. Please check these sources regularly. If the University holds commencement and you choose not to attend due to the flu outbreak or if the University cancels commencement, you will be welcome to participate in a future ceremony. Details will be announced as appropriate
If a decision is made to cancel classes or close the university, information about the start of the next semester will be made available through the GSU homepage, PAWS, and official GSU e-mail. Please check these sources regularly.
On-Campus Housing
Georgia State’s Student Health and Wellness Center continuously screens students who are concerned that they may have the flu or flu-like symptoms.
Campus-wide, steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare, and safety of our students. In residence halls, the university has instituted more rigorous sanitation procedures of public areas, such as utilizing additional anti-bacterial products throughout the campus. Additionally, students have been given information about preventative hygiene to help prevent transmission of the flu.
Your student may move if there is a vacancy in our system. If not, your student may stay in their assignment and we will provide our residents with a N95 mask, or your student may choose to temporarily commute.
The residents may disinfect their own apartment with consumer-based products available at any retail store.
Typically, the virus is active for 150 – 165 hours. This time is similar to the flu virus that circulates in a normal flu season where refunds are not provided.
Our University Student Health Clinic will provide antiviral medications for your student or medications can be provided by the student’s primary care physician if they desire.
Advise your student to use a tissue when sneezing and throw the tissue away. Wash hands with warm soap and water often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not touch hands to the eyes or mouth.
We will provide a N95 respirator mask to all the residents in the apartment. We will spend time with the residents of the apartment explaining their options while recovery is occurring. We can also assist with connecting your student to campus resources equipped to provide services.
It is recommended that sick students stay in their apartment until the symptoms subside. The Student Health Clinic will send a nurse to your student’s apartment. Call 404-413-1930 to make arrangements.
The Panther’s Guide to Community Living (page 24) provides information on the precautions all residents should take to stay healthy everyday and through the flu season. The university is actively distributing information to students on the novel H1N1 influenza virus and mitigation, prevention, response and recovery techniques.
The flu will progress quicker than a cold. The flu will also raise body temperature above 100.5 degrees. A cold generally does not cause body temperature to rise above 100.5 degrees.
No. University Housing will not quarantine floors in the residence halls due to space restrictions. Students 18 years and over may choose where they prefer to get well; home or in the residence hall.
Students with flu-like symptoms should not dine in the Freshman Hall. The first preference is that the sick resident goes home until he or she gets well.
The CDC does not recommend taking pre-exposure anti-virals for the AH1N1
swine-origin flu. Anti-viral treatment will be provided post exposure and post-symptomatic.
One of the best sources for accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/.
Study Abroad
Georgia State’s Student Health and Wellness Center continuously screens students who are concerned that they may have the flu or flu-like-symptoms.
Campus-wide, steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students. In residence halls, the university has instituted more rigorous sanitation procedures of public areas, such as utilizing additional anti-bacterial products throughout the campus. Additionally, students have been given information about preventative hygiene to help prevent transmission of the flu.
Your student may move if there is a vacancy in our system. If not, your student may stay in their assignment and we will provide our residents a N95 mask, or your student may choose to temporarily commute.
The residents may disinfect their own apartment with consumer-based products available at any retail store.
Typically, the virus is active for 150 – 165 hours. This time is similar to the flu virus that circulates in a normal flu season where refunds are not provided.
Our University Student Health Clinic will provide antiviral medications for your student or medications can be provided by the student’s primary care physician if they desire.
Advise your student to use a tissue when sneezing and throw the tissue away. Wash hands with warm soap and water often and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Do not touch hands to the eyes or mouth.
We will provide a N95 respirator mask to all the residents in the apartment. We will spend time with the residents of the apartment explaining their options while recovery is occurring. We can also assist with connecting your student to campus resources equipped to provide services.
It is recommended that sick students stay in their apartment until the symptoms subside. The Student Health Clinic will send a nurse to your student’s apartment. Call 404-413-1930 to make arrangements.
The Panther’s Guide to Community Living (page 24) provides information on the precautions all residents should take to stay healthy everyday and through the flu season. The university is actively distributing information to students on the novel H1N1 influenza virus and mitigation, prevention, response and recovery techniques.
The flu will progress quicker than a cold. The flu will also raise body temperature above 100.5 degrees. A cold generally does not cause body temperature to rise above 100.5 degrees.
No. University Housing will not quarantine floors in the residence halls due to space restrictions. Students 18 years and over may chose where they prefer to get well; home or in the residence hall.
Students with flu-like symptoms should not dine in the Freshman Hall. The first preference is that the sick resident goes home until he or she gets well.
The CDC does not recommend taking pre-exposure anti-virals for the AH1N1
swine origin flu. Anti-viral treatment will be provided post exposure and post symptomatic.
One of the best sources for accurate and up-to-date information can be found on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov/.