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Student Health Services
Cal Poly Pomona
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Information for the Cal Poly Pomona Community about
Swine Flu

We at Student Health Services are starting to see more and more students who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms (sudden onset of fever over 101°F, cough, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, head ache, extreme fatigue, occasional nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). The symptoms of the H1N1 Swine Flu are much like the seasonal influenza and care should be taken to not get sick by:

  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and then THROW THE TISSUE IN THE TRASH AFTR USE
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze
  • Use of alcohol-based hand cleaners can also be effective (look for our staff out on campus in the near future for your free sanitizer)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people

If you are ill but are not experiencing any severe symptoms (trouble breathing, pain or pressure in chest, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting) STAY HOME AND REST. This means you should not leave your home except to seek medical treatment. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

If you need to be seen by a doctor, call 909-869-4000 to schedule an appointment.

Email your professors so that they can be aware of your situation, and can make other accomodations for your missed classes.

For the most up to date information about the Novel H1N1 Flu, please see the CDC's webpage or go to www.flu.gov

(The following information was compiled in part from: http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/docs/CDC_DPH_FAQ%20_Swine%20Flu_4_24_09.pdf )

 
  1. What is swine influenza?
  2. There are pigs at Cal Poly Pomona! Am I at greater risk?
  3. Can humans catch swine flu?
  4. Why are we just hearing about this type of influenza now?
  5. I got a flu vaccine for this season. Will this protect me from swine flu?
  6. What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
  7. How is swine flu treated?
  8. Is swine flu like avian flu? Do I need to wear a face mask or avoid travel?
  9. What is Public Health doing about this?
  10. Want more information?

 

What is swine influenza?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by some influenza viruses. Rarely, a type of flu virus with some genetic material from pigs develops that can also cause disease in humans.
 

There are pigs at Cal Poly Pomona! Am I at greater risk?

No. None of the pigs in the swine unit have the disease. There is no risk of the disease being introduced to campus through outside swine because our herd is bred through artificial insemination. Furthermore, there is no evidence that those in close proximity to swine in the U.S. are at greater risk. The virus currently in circulation is transmitted human to human via airborne particles or touching infected surfaces.
 

Can humans catch swine flu?

Yes, in past cases, infection was due to close exposure to pigs. But the cases we are seeing now are not from direct human contact with pigs. These cases appear to be passed directly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing, just like regular seasonal flu. You cannot catch swine flu from eating pork or pork products.
 

Why are we just hearing about this type of influenza now?

This type of influenza is what’s known as a “novel,” or new strain. It is not unusual for public health to discover a new strain of influenza. This is why public health laboratories and public health staff, including the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, are constantly monitoring the health of the population to quickly detect, monitor and treat new and emerging diseases.

 

I got a flu vaccine for this season. Will this protect me from swine flu?

 To protect against swine flu and other infectious illnesses, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends that individuals continue to practice good hygiene throughout the year. This includes frequent hand washing, especially after using the restroom and before eating, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (use a tissue and then discard it in the trash, or cough/sneeze into your upper sleeve & not into your hand), avoiding touching your hands to your eyes, nose and mouth, and staying home when sick.

This season’s influenza vaccine ("Seasonal" Influenza) will not protect against swine flu. However, it is strongly recommended that all individuals receive the seasonal flu vaccine every fall, in order to protect against other strains of influenza. Student Health Services has a limited number of annual flu vaccine doses available but again, this vaccine will not protect you from swine flu.

 

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are the same as symptoms of regular seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, sore throat, dry cough, muscle aches, and lack of appetite. Symptoms may also include runny nose, sore throat and, less commonly, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The recent reports of swine flu in the United States suggests that overall, the cases are mild to moderate in severity. However, preliminary reports from Mexico of flu caused by this identical virus indicate that more severe cases are common.
 

How is swine flu treated?

Swine flu is treated in the same way as regular flu – with good hygiene practices and plenty of rest at home, away from work or school. This type of flu may be treated with an antiviral medication if it is started early. However, nobody should take this or any other prescription medication without first talking to their doctor.

 

Is swine flu like avian flu? Do I need to wear a face mask or avoid travel?

Unless you are sick, you do not need to wear a face mask or avoid travel. It is recommended that those who are sick avoid travel in order to recover and to avoid passing the illness on to others. Face masks for the general public in order to reduce the chance of catching influenza are not necessary.
 

What is Public Health doing about this?

Public Health is actively working with the California Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to detect cases of swine flu that may occur in Los Angeles County. It is also working with emergency rooms, physicians, hospitals, and schools to carefully monitor for any signs of swine flu in LA County.

 

Want more information?

Information regarding swine flu is changing hourly. For more information and updates, you can check: 

 


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Updated On: Sep 21, 2009  l  Questions & Comments