The University of Western Ontario’s Student Health Services (SHS) has recorded four mild influenza cases believed to be H1N1.
SHS Director Shelagh Bantock says the university does not take swabs to confirm diagnosis (this is only done at hospitals), but the symptoms lean towards H1N1.
“The symptoms have been a runny nose, sore throat, malaise and a mild fever,” says Bantock.
The four cases – three students and one faculty member – have been given a two-page hand-out explaining how to alleviate symptoms and prevent further spread of the virus. This includes taking an ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) every four to six hours and staying at home for seven days – which means no classes – and keeping distance between themselves and others.
The four cases – two reported last week and two this week – were told to report back to SHS if symptoms worsen. The two cases from last week have not returned, which is good news, says Bantock.
While these current cases are mild, SHS is treating them seriously. Bantock says there is no way to determine if this is the start of a larger outbreak, or simply a few isolated cases. To date, she adds the numbers of H1N1 cases being reported in Ontario, and at Western, has been low.
“I’m hopeful that our prevention plans at the university have had a impact in this area,” she says. “We need to continue to do so.”
Western continues to raise awareness about the risks and encourages faculty, staff and students to remain diligent at work and at home to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes covering the nose and mouth area when coughing or sneezing and washing hands often and use hand sanitizer. Those who are sick are encouraged to stay at home. Keep some distance between yourself and those who are ill.
Additional information can be obtained by calling the Middlesex-London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330. Updated information is available on their website at www.healthunit.com.
Western has a microsite dedicated to the H1N1 influenza to which updates will be posted (https://communications.uwo.ca/influenza-microsite/), as well as on the Daily News Service on the Western home page at www.uwo.ca.
Western will host seasonal vaccine clinics in October, however Bantock says a H1N1 vaccine should be available by November. The Middlesex-London Health Unit expects to run vaccination clinics on campus for which one initial shot will be given and a booster shot will be required later in the season.
Faculties and support units have been developing a Continuity of Operations Plan that has backups and contingency plans in place in the event of a one-third workforce reduction.
