We have established this page to provide some basic tips aimed at reducing your chance of catching H1N1 flu (also known as swine flu), to provide some links for places to gain more information and to provide any updates on how H1N1 flu has affected Peace College.First, be aware that the College is closely monitoring the situation with H1N1 flu and will keep you informed as conditions warrant. Second, if you have questions that are not answered on this page, you are encouraged to contact Peace College's Health Services Office at (919) 508-2502 or Student Development at (919) 508-2396.

What has Peace College done to prepare?
Peace College has a Pandemic Flu Plan that we will follow in the event of an outbreak. The College leadership team is in close communication and the Wellness Center is monitoring the advisories from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

How do I keep up to date with what is happening on campus?
Visit this web page for up-to-date information. It will be updated as conditions warrant.

I've noticed cleaning and sanitizing supplies around campus. What is this for?
The College is placing hand sanitizer, wipes and other cleaning agents in some public areas on campus to help you prevent the spread of any flu viruses. Please feel free to use these products to disinfect computer keyboards, desks, doorknobs or any other surfaces that you use.

What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include: 

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• body aches
• headaches
• chills
• fatigue

Some people, mostly children, have reported diarrhea and vomiting. 

How does H1N1 flu spread?
The main way that illnesses are spread is from person to person by coughs and sneezes. The droplets from an infected person can move through the air and make contact with the mouth or nose of people nearby. The droplets can also make contact with a surface (table, phone, computer keyboard) and be spread when someone else touches the surface then touches their own mouth or nose. Flu viruses can live two hours or longer on hard surfaces.

How do I protect myself?
Please read the signage and notices posted around campus that describe ways to prevent the spread of germs. Please attend the mini classes "How to Bugproof Your Room," "Have a Healthy Conversation and Clean that Cell Phone" and "The A to Z Germs that Live in Your Keyboard and How to Delete."There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Should I take an antiviral drug as a precaution?
No. The antiviral medications Tamiflu and Relenza do appear to be effective against this virus and they work better if taken early. However, experts say you should not take them just as a precaution. Viruses can become resistant to the drugs. Also, supplies are not unlimited. And, antiviral medications also have side effects. However, it does pay to be aware of any flu-like symptoms so that you can take Tamiflu or Relenza as soon as possible.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?
No. At this stage the experts are advising that there is no need for the general population to wear masks. If you do develop flu-like symptoms, please ask Health Services for a mask and wear it to prevent spreading the virus.

What should I do if I get the flu?
Following health agency guidelines, the College is asking any students who develop flu-like symptoms to stay at home and to report the illness immediately to Peace College Health Services by calling 508-2502. Students living on campus should stay in their residence hall room. Students living off campus should remain at their home or apartment. The College is asking any employees who develop flu-like symptoms to stay at home and report your illness to your supervisor and to Kate Trimble (508-2028).

Except to get medical care or for other necessities, students and employees with flu symptoms should stay in their homes or residence hall room for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (without the aid of fever-reducing medication). People with flu-like symptoms should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to help prevent the spread of the virus.  

If you are unsure that you have a fever call Health Services, which will provide you with a disposable clinical fever thermometer. 

How do I know if I need medical care?
Seek medical care if you have difficulty breathing and or chest pain, if you have vomiting and are unable to keep liquids down and if you display symptoms of dehydration such as fatigue, weakness and fainting. Call your health care provider or Health Services at 508-2502 for advice if needed.   

Students who have United Health Care College Health Insurance have access to a FREE 24-hour nursing hotline. If you have a medical question and Health Services is closed, call 1-877-950-5004.

What if I need medical care or need to leave my room?
People with flu-like symptoms who wish to seek medical care should contact either their health care provider or Peace's Health Services (508-2502) by telephone or other remote means. If you must leave your home or residence hall room, you should cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A surgical loose-fitting mask can be helpful, but a tissue or other covering is also appropriate.

My roommate has the flu. Where do I get information regarding what I should do?
You may call Health Services at 508-2502. Also, roommates, family members, or those caring for an ill person should follow the guidance developed by the Centers for Disease Control for caring for sick people in your home: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.

If I have the flu, how many times may I miss class?
Faculty members are being asked to make allowances for students who miss class due to flu. Please check with your professors as soon as you are feeling better.

If I'm staying in my residence hall room with the flu, how do I order meals to be delivered to me?
You may order a meal by sending an email to our dining hall managers. Please order your meal by 11 a.m. for lunch and by 3:30 p.m. for dinner to allow for preparation and delivery. Place an order by sending an email to Chad Young at young-chad@aramark.com or to Anne Klingshirn at klingshirn-anne@aramark.com.

Where can I get more information about Swine Flu?
Following are several excellent and reputable websites:  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
www.cdc.gov/flu/swine  

The U.S. government:
www.pandemicflu.gov  

The American College Health Association
www.acha.org  

The World Health Organization:
www.who.int/en  

The N.C. Department of Public Health:
www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/gcdc/swineflu.html  

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers this information about swine flu vaccination safety:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm

Patients may call the following numbers for more information:
1-800-662-7030 (English/Spanish)  

Raleigh-area residents may call:
919-855-4400 (English/Spanish)