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This section was last updated October 13, 2009.
Campus FAQs
General FAQs
A campus-wide emergency task force is actively monitoring the situation and developing strategies to deal with this rapidly evolving issue.
If you are a current Cal Poly Pomona student, you can be evaluated at Student Health Services. Call (909) 869-4000 to schedule a no-cost appointment. If you experience symptoms of the flu, stay home for 24 hours after you are fever free (without the assistance of fever-reducing medication) and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Symptoms of H1N1 flu include: fever over 100 degrees; headache; muscle aches; cough; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; fatigue; and rarely, stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
If you are a part of the faculty or staff and exhibit symptoms of the flu, you should contact your health care provider and notify your immediate supervisor. If you experience symptoms of the flu, stay home for 24 hours after you are fever free (without the assistance of fever-reducing medication) and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Symptoms of H1N1 flu include: fever over 100 degrees; headache; muscle aches; cough; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; fatigue; and rarely, stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
No. The virus currently in circulation is transmitted human to human via airborne particles or touching infected surfaces. The term swine flu is misleading. There is no evidence that those in close proximity to swine in the U.S. are at greater risk of contracting the H1N1 flu. Futhermore, 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.
General FAQs
Based on information from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
No. The virus that causes Pandemic H1N1 flu is a new type of flu virus that is different from the virus that causes the seasonal flu. Both types of the flu can be serious. The good news is that getting a vaccine for each flu and practicing simple prevention steps such as washing your hands often can prevent them both.
The main way that influenza viruses spread is through droplets from a sick person when they cough or sneeze. Flu viruses can also live on surfaces such as tables, faucets or doorknobs for up to eight hours. You can become infected with Pandemic H1N1 flu by touching an infected surface, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Most people will recover from the H1N1 flu without treatment. However, just like the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu can lead to serious health problems. Pregnant women; adults younger than 25 years of age; young children; and people with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease, are more likely to have complications from the flu. H1N1 has also reached pandemic level 6, which indicates that the new flu virus spreads easily from one person to another.
In September 2009, all county public health agencies suspended testing to confirm a diagnosis of H1N1, except for people hospitalized with advanced symptoms of the flu. In the absence of a confirmed H1N1 diagnosis, health care providers, including our Student Health Services, are being asked to review patient symptoms to “confirm” a case of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) if the following symptoms are presented: (1) A fever that exceeds 100 degrees and (2) A cough and/or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause other than influenza).
The symptoms of H1N1 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 H1N1 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.
H1N1 flu is treated in the same way as regular flu – with good hygiene practices, lots of fluids 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.
The vaccine for H1N1 flu is different from the seasonal flu vaccine that is recommended each year. To be fully protected against both the seasonal flu and H1N1, you must have both vaccinations. Just like seasonal flu vaccines, H1N1 vaccines are expected to be safe, effective and the best way to prevent the flu.
The Pandemic H1N1 vaccine will be first available to:
• Pregnant women
• People living with or caring for infants under 6 months of age
• Emergency medical services personnel and health care workers
• Children and young adults from 6 months through 24 years
• People aged 25 through 64 years with chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease, asthma,
diabetes, or weakened immune systems
If the H1N1 vaccine is recommended for you, check with your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment. Don’t forget to ask your provider if you should also receive a seasonal flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine, which can prevent common flu complications. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you may be able to receive low-cost or no-cost immunizations. Please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov or dial the Los Angeles County Info Line at 2-1-1 for more information.
There are two types of vaccine that are available or will soon be available: the Seasonal Flu Vaccine and the Novel H1N1 Vaccine. It is important to understand that the Seasonal Flu Vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 virus, and vice versa. To be fully protected against both the seasonal flu and H1N1, you must have both vaccinations.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine: This vaccine is currently widely available through private physicians and some pharmacies. Student can also receive the vaccine through Student Health Services.
Novel H1N1 Vaccine: Limited distribution of this vaccine began in early October and is expected to be more widely available in late October or early November. Most sources, including private physicians, are expected to prioritize distribution to those who fall into the high risk groups before making it available to the general population. Student Health Services has ordered 2,000 doses of the vaccine, but we have not received confirmation of delivery. A campus announcement will be made as soon as additional information is known, but everyone is encouraged to be in regular contact with a private physician or county health agency because they may receive the H1N1 vaccine before the campus does.
Check with your healthcare provider to schedule appointments for the H1N1 flu and/or the seasonal flu. Don’t forget to ask your provider if you should also receive a pneumococcal vaccine, which can prevent common flu complications. If you don’t have a healthcare provider, you may be able to receive low-cost or no-cost immunizations. Please visit http://publichealth.lacounty.gov or dial the Los Angeles County Info Line at 2-1-1 for more information.
Following some simple, everyday tips can help protect you and your family from the flu.
• Wash your hands. Keep your hands clean by washing them for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your cough. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. You can also cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or shoulder to avoid infecting your hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Avoid contact with ill persons when possible, maintain a greater than 3 foot distance. If you’re sick, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever ends.
• Do not share food, drinks or utensils. Germs spread that way.
Information regarding H1N1 flu is changing hourly. For more information and updates, you can check:
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2009 California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
3801 W. Temple Ave. Pomona, CA 91768