Questions and Answers About the Flu Outbreak at the University of Maryland

1025 (November 29, 2009)
total number of new cases of flu-like illness since August 31, 2009

1. How many students have tested positive for H1N1?
Zero. The University Health Center does not have the capabilities to test for the H1N1 virus. Testing can be done at an outside laboratory, at the expense and request of the patient, but it is not necessary because the course of treatment for seasonal and H1N1 flu is the same.

2. How many students have been treated for flu-like symptoms?
For the cumulative total, please see above. The Health Center is testing students with flu-like symptoms using the rapid flu test, which determines if a patient has Type A or Type B strain (H1N1 is a Type A strain). Students testing positive for Type A strain are being treated as probable H1N1 cases. All students exhibiting flu-like symptoms are prescribed a course of treatment and given a flu kit containing an OTC fever-reducer, a surgical mask and thermometer. Most students are experiencing mild symptoms and recovering in a few days.

3. What are symptoms of the flu?
Flu-like symptoms include a fever over 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) AND a cough, sore throat, or runny nose or stuffiness. More serious warning signs include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion, severe or persistent vomiting.

4. What should students do if they experience these symptoms?
Students with flu-like symptoms are advised to stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people (self-isolation) for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without fever-reducing medication. If possible, ill students are advised to travel to their permanent homes via personal transportation. Students may be seen at the University Health Center or call the 24-hour After Hours Nurseline at 301.314.9386 when the Health Center is closed for treatment.

5. Are ill students being quarantined?
No. Students with flu-like illnesses are encouraged, but not required, to return to their permanent residence if possible. Ill students are advised to stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people (self-isolation) for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without fever-reducing medication.

6. What has the University of Maryland done to prepare for a flu outbreak?
The University has had a H1N1 preparedness plan in place for months – with a focus on prevention, including educating students, faculty and staff on washing their hands frequently with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and practicing cough/sneeze etiquette. More than 200 hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in lobbies, large classrooms, meeting spaces and public areas around campus. Disinfecting wipes have been made available in the residence halls.

The University Health Center expanded its hours to be open seven days a week to accommodate the higher than usual number of students seeking treatment. Now that the number of patients with flu like symptoms has significantly declined, the Health Center has resumed its regualr hours from Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.

The University is advising ill students to stay away from classes and practice self-isolation to prevent the spread of the virus. Students are also encouraged to receive both the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccine, which will not be available until mid-October. The Health Center has begun providing the seasonal flu vaccine – details can be found at www.health.umd.edu.

A special emergency vaccination drill will be held at Ritchie Coliseum on October 15th. Free seasonal flu shots will be given to the first 2,000 faculty, staff and students on a first come first served basis.

Back to UM's Flu Plan