University swine flu (H1N1) Q & A

Updated Aug. 17, 2009

Q: What is H1N1 or swine flu?
A: The novel H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, is a respiratory disease that originates in pigs, but can be transferred to humans and spread from person to person. The H1N1 virus is causing illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. during the normally flu-free summer months. Public health officials are concerned that the virus could move swiftly from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere well beyond the summer and mutate into a more dangerous strain than the one that appeared in the spring. The virus has demonstrated a clear capacity to infect college-age students.

Q: Are seasonal flu and swine flu different?

A: Yes, they are different viruses and it is possible to contract both types. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination against the seasonal flu, but also has said, "The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza." Public health officials expect the seasonal flu vaccine to be available this fall, in time for the beginning of the seasonal flu season. At this time, though, there is no vaccine for the swine flu. The hope is that one will be available this fall. The CDC recommends that students get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available. || CDC update map  

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

A: The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. They include a temperature at or above 100 degrees, and fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Q: What should I do if I think I have the flu?
A: Reports show that symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of the seasonal flu and typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills, fatigue and body aches.  As noted above, at this time, there is no vaccine. Students who experience flu-like symptoms should call Bucknell's Office of Student Health Services at 570-577-1401, or after hours, the Department of Public Safety at 570-577-3333. Members of the faculty and staff should contact their physicians or a local hospital. The University encourages anyone who has symptoms of the flu to stay home from work or school, and asks personnel to inform their supervisors that they have the flu.

Q: How long is someone with swine flu contagious?
A: Public health authorities believe that anyone with swine flu is contagious for up to five days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic. The virus can survive on surfaces for about two hours after an infected person touches it.

Q: Is there anything I can do to protect myself from the flu?
A: You should follow the steps for prevention noted on the main page of this swine flu website and take with utmost seriousness the recommendations noted there from health professionals on good preventative methods.

Q: Should I check my temperature?
A: Yes. If your temperature rises to 100 degrees or above and you have  the typical flu symptoms, there is a good chance that you may have this form of the flu. We suggest that students bring a thermometer to campus with them so that, if need be, they can check their own temperature.

Q: What should I do if an outbreak occurs?
A: Institutions where many people live or work closely together - like a college campus - are particularly susceptible to flu outbreaks. Parents and students should discuss options for care if a student is sick and family is at a distance from campus. If students do contract swine flu, given the proven highly contagious nature of swine flu among college students, the University will likely encourage such students to return home or into the care of a nearby friend or relative.

Q: What is Bucknell doing to prepare for a potential outbreak of swine flu on campus?
A: University and health officials are closely monitoring the swine flu infection and meeting regularly to ensure that the University's crisis management plans and procedures suitably account for situations that the swine flu virus could create for the campus community. We also are working closely with local, state and federal officials to remain informed, implement tailored preventative measures and related communications, and ensure a comprehensive response to a swine flu outbreak. We are making campus announcements as appropriate to this evolving situation, and have set up a special website with additional swine flu information at www.bucknell.edu/swineflu, including links to sites with related information. Additionally, besides its usual practice of providing antibacterial soap in all campus restrooms, the University has installed hand-sanitizer dispensers at various sites throughout campus and is encouraging everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

Q: How will Bucknell communicate information about the swine flu?
A: Bucknell will communicate important updates via email as well as keeping its special website, www.bucknell.edu/swineflu, up to date. We encourage you to give the University's swine flu web page a close read today. Information from public health authorities on this virus has been changing regularly, and could change at any time. You should read campus notices on this subject carefully, check the web page regularly for updates, and watch for announcements from public health officials through the media.

Contact: Division of Communications