Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions about the novel H1N1 virus (commonly referred to as swine flu) and the seasonal flu. For general information about the virus, please visit the CDC website.
- General H1N1/Flu Questions
- What is H1N1?
- What are the symptoms?
- How does H1N1 spread?
- Who is most vulnerable to severe illness?
- Are there medicines to treat the virus?
- Will my seasonal flu shot protect against the virus?
- Can I get a vaccination to protect against the H1N1 virus?
- Who are Duke's main points of contact about the H1N1 virus?
- Student Related Questions
- Employee-Related Questions
- What should I do if I show symptoms of influenza-like illness?
- If I am diagnosed with H1N1 virus, how will my time away from work at Duke be counted?
- What if I have exhausted my accrued time off?
- Should I wear a mask in the workplace as a precautionary measure?
- What should I do if I've been exposed to an individual who has, or is suspected of having, the H1N1 virus?
General H1N1/Flu Questions
H1N1 (formerly referred to as swine flu) is a new influenza virus circulating worldwide. It is spread from person-to-person. Since this is a new, or novel, type of influenza, many people are susceptible to it and lack any prior immunity.
Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those for regular seasonal flu. They are distinguished by a fever of 100º F or higher and may also include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, unusual fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting.
Spread of this H1N1 virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads – mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Who is most vulnerable to severe illness from H1N1?
According to the CDC, currently insufficient data are available to determine who is at higher risk for complications of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Thus, at this time, the same age and risk groups who are at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications should also be considered at higher risk for swine-origin influenza complications.
Groups at higher risk for seasonal influenza complications include:
- Children younger than 5 years old. The risk for severe complications from seasonal influenza is highest among children younger than 2 years old.
- Adults 65 years of age and older.
- Persons with the following conditions:
- Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
- Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV;
- Pregnant women;
- Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;
- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities.
Are there medicines to treat the virus?
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the H1N1 influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) 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 help you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms).
Will my seasonal flu shot protect against the virus?
The seasonal flu vaccine is a valuable vaccine, but it does not protect against the H1N1 virus. This is a novel flu, a new genetic version containing pieces of the genome from swine flu, avian flu and human flu.
Can I get a vaccination to protect against the H1N1 virus?
Free vaccinations for seasonal flu will be available to all students, faculty and staff this fall. Vaccination for students will be coordinated by Student Health, and vaccinations for faculty and staff will be coordinated by Employee Occupational Health & Wellness (EOHW). Details regarding the seasonal flu vaccine will be communicated when available.
The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 influenza virus. A separate vaccine is being developed for H1N1, but it is expected to be available in late fall and only in limited supply. H1N1 vaccine, once received, will be distributed based on criteria as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Who are Duke's main points of contact about the H1N1 virus?
- Students: Duke Student Health Center – (919) 681-9355.
- Faculty/Staff: Employee Occupational Health & Wellness (EOHW):
Main Duke Campus/Duke Hospital: 684 -3136 or 684-8115 (24 hours a day)
Durham Regional: 470-5350
Duke Raleigh: 954-3275 - Media: Duke Office of News & Communications – (919) 684-2823
Student-Related Questions
What should I do if I show symptoms of influenza-like illness?
Students experiencing flu-like symptoms should call Student Health at 681-WELL.
Students diagnosed with, or suspected to have influenza should follow Student Health instructions. Students should not go to class, should remain in their rooms and avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after their fever resolves.
Undergraduate students need to notify their instructor(s) and academic dean by means of the Short-Term Illness Notification Form if they are temporarily incapacitated and are unable to attend class or complete an assignment on time.
Graduate and professional students should use the Short-Term Illness Notification Form to notify their instructors.
Employee-Related Questions
What should I do if I show symptoms of influenza-like illness?
Staff with flu-like symptoms (distinguished by a fever of 100º F or higher, and may also include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body ache, headache, chills, unusual fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting) should stay home and and seek medical care as needed from their primary care physician or an urgent care clinic as necessary. Staff should also communicate directly with their supervisor in the same manner they would for any other illness.
Staff with patient contact must also notify Employee Occupational Health and Wellness (EOHW) at 684 -3136 opt. 2 or after hours at 684-8115, ask for EOHW Flu; Duke Raleigh Hospital staff should call 954-3952.
If I am diagnosed with H1N1 virus, how will my time away from work at Duke be counted?
Absences due to influenza will be covered under existing University or Health System time-off policies, unless a staff member has exhausted all accrued time off.
What if I have exhausted my accrued time off?
Duke has established a temporary policy to allow benefits-eligible staff members who have influenza and have exhausted all accrued time off (PTO – including short-term, long-term and carry over banks – or Sick Time, Vacation and Discretionary Holidays) to receive an advance of up to 3 days of accrued PTO (short-term bank) or Sick Time based on their regular daily work schedule.
The temporary policy will be effective from September 1, 2009, through March 31, 2010, and can only be used by a staff member once during this period. Advanced time will be deducted from a staff member’s subsequent pay period accrual for Sick Time or PTO until the balance returns to zero.
Should I wear a mask in the workplace as a precautionary measure?
It is recommended that healthcare workers who are treating a patient with acute respiratory symptoms and possible influenza wear a surgical mask while caring for the patient. This same protection should be worn by EVS and dietary workers who work in the same rooms where sick patients or students are being housed.
What should I do if I’ve been exposed to an individual who has, or is suspected of having, the H1N1 virus?
Employees exposed through direct physical contact by touching or being coughed on or sneezed upon by an individual with known or suspected H1N1 should call EOHW at 684-3136, or after hours at 684-8115. Exposed employees who are most vulnerable, as defined below, should contact EOHW immediately.