News and Events

Information on H1N1 Influenza

June 16, 2009

The following information about H1N1 Influenza has been sent, by AIU Health Care Room and Office of Student Affairs, to the international students at Akita International University on June 12, 2009

 

Contents of the message

It was reported on June 11, 2009 that one Akita resident who lives in Semboku City was found to be the first patient in Akita with the New Type Influenza (H1N1 or "Swine Flu").

As a result of this information, Akita Prefectural Government had an Emergency Prevention Meeting against the New Type Influenza, and determined the basic prevention policy how to deal with the New Type Influenza.  

<Outline of the Policy at this moment>

    1. No request for temporary school closing.
    2. No request for cancellation or voluntarily refrain from holding the events.
    3. Request for going out: Avoid crowds, Wash hands thoroughly soon after coming back home, Wear a mask, Gargle frequently and thoroughly, and Cover your mouth with your hands rather than cough in the air.
    4. Call a Health Care Center immediately on the list above (Japanese) if you feel that you have the symptoms of influenza. Do not to go to hospital or clinic first.

The Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Margaret Chan, has upgraded the status of the current influenza outbreak to a level 6 pandemic.

Influenza is an airborne illness. All students, staff, and faculty are asked to pay attention to the following to help prevent the spread of this disease.

New (H1N1) Influenza symptoms
The symptoms are similar to those of the regular, seasonal flu. 

*Sore throat, runny nose, sneezes, coughs, headaches, and chills
*Fever  (The fever usually continues for 5 days, and often has a break with the body returning to normal temperature temporarily on the 3rd day)
* Side effects of the fever: Muscle pain, joint pain, feeling of weariness, eye pain, stomach pain, or diarrhea.*In some cases, other possible side effects of influenza include encephalitis, spasms, loss of consciousness, and death.

 

Method of transmission 
*Airborne: Spread when a healthy person inhales particles from an infected person’s cough or sneeze which contain the virus.
*Touch: Spread when a healthy person touches a surface where saliva, mucus or other bodily fluid from an infected person is, and then touches his/her dirty hand to an orifice such as nose or mouth. These infective surfaces may include desks, doorknobs, switches, etc.

 

Preventing the spread of influenza

*If you sneeze or cough, cover your face with a tissue, and turn your head away from other people.
*Throw used tissues away in the trash immediately.
*Wear a mask if you have flu symptoms.
*If you sneeze or cough into your hand, wash it right away.
*When you come home from being outside, gargle well.
*Get enough nourishment and plenty of sleep to keep your body and immune system strong.
*Don’t build up stress.
*Don’t go to places where there are a lot of people, especially in areas where there is known to be influenza.

Effective hand washing. Use soap with a lot of foam. Make sure to wash palms, back, between fingers, under and around nails, wrists, and around your thumbs. Dry your hands with a paper towel when available. Do not share towels.

 

If you feel that you got the New Type Influenza

  1. Contact the Health Care Center immediately, and follow the instructions given.
  2. Avoid infecting others. Don't go to public spaces.
  3. Stay in the private room and rest.
  4. Drink plenty of fluids (1/5-2 liters a day). Sports drinks are recommended.
  5. Get plenty of nourishment. Rice porridge, udon, fruit and eggs are easily digested. Get plenty of vitamins, protein, and sugar.
  6. Lower your fever with a cold pack or cool towel.
  7. Wear a mask.
  8. Put used tissues in a bag rather than throwing them directly into the waste basket. (This prevents the virus from being spread in the air).
  9. Once you have recovered, inform your instructors about your absence.

 

※If you are diagnosed with influenza, you must inform either student affairs (TEL018-886-5935) or the Nurse's office (TEL018-886-5926)　immediately. According to the Educational Health Law, you must not return to classes until 2 days after your fever has subsided. You do not have to bring your certificate until after you have recovered.

 

 

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