Stockton College H1N1 Flu Home

H1N1 FAQ

• What is H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu?)
• Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?
• What are the symptoms of novel H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)?
• How does the novel H1N1 virus spread?
• How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
• What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
• How long can viruses live outside the body?
• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
• What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
• What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
• Business Continuity Flu Response - Student Information.

 Student FAQ

• My parents worried are about whether it’s safe for me to be on campus. What should I tell them?
• What is Stockton doing to prepare for a possible outbreak of novel H1N1 flu?
• How should my family and I get information about the novel H1N1 Influenza?
• What should I do if I am pregnant or have compromised health? Should I come to campus anyway?
• Do I have to go to class during this flu outbreak?
• I have questions about academic matters, who should I call?
• What’s being done to prevent the spread of disease in residence halls?
• If the college closes, do I have to leave my residence hall? What if I can’t get home right away?
• If the college closes and I have to leave without my belongings, how will I arrange to get my belongings?
• How should I clean my room in my residence hall?

Faculty FAQ

• What if I am sick?
• What if my child is sick or home because their school is closed?
• What should I do about my classes if I have to stay home?
• What if the College closes due to the flu outbreak?
• Continuity of Business Plan in case of a flu outbreak.

Staff FAQ

• What type of leave is available to me in case of a novel H1N1 influenza outbreak or pandemic?
• Are there any alternative leave provisions being instituted to address absences due to the H1N1 influenza outbreak and possible pandemic?
• What if I’m not sick, but I need to stay at home to care for my child(ren) or spouse who has the flu?
• Do I need to notify my supervisor that I cannot come to work because of the influenza outbreak or pandemic?
• What if I become ill, and am unable to contact my supervisor?
• If I become sick at work can my supervisor make me leave work?
• If I don’t have enough leave to cover my absence from work due to the influenza outbreak or pandemic, how can I afford to stay at home until I am completely well before returning to work?
• What if I’m not sick, but do not want to come to work for fear of becoming ill. Is my supervisor required to approve my vacation leave request?
• If the Governor shuts down state buildings and/or services, will everything be closed like a snow day or will Stockton need to keep essential services going?
• Can my supervisor schedule me to work hours or shifts that I normally do not work?
• If there are large numbers of employees who are unable to come to work because of the influenza outbreak and possible pandemic, is there a maximum number of overtime hours my supervisor can require me to work?

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What is H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu?)

Novel H1N1 (sometimes referred to as “swine flu”) is an influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

Why is novel H1N1 virus sometimes called “swine flu”?

This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes.

What are the symptoms of novel H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)

The symptoms of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) are similar to the symptoms generally associated with human seasonal flu, which include fever, coughing, sore throat, chills, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Some people also have reported having a runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
If you develop these symptoms, please seek medical attention. If you are a Stockton student, please go to Health Services, West Quad 108.  Hours of Operation are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9-5, Tuesday 9-7 or to your health care professional.  If you are a member of the faculty or staff, please seek the assistance of your health care professional.

How does the novel H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of the novel H1N1 virus is thought to happen the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is a vaccine being developed but it is not available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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 hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control recommends that you stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?

If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Put your used tissue in the waste basket. Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands, and do so every time you cough or sneeze.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water, or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

It is believed that this virus spreads much like seasonal flu viruses. With seasonal flu, studies have shown that people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick.  Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. The Center for Disease Control is studying the virus and its capabilities to try to learn more and will provide more information as it becomes available.

Fully inform yourself about the novel H1N1 Influenza and read the latest findings of county, state, national and international health agencies by clicking on Health and Agency Resources links posted to this web site below. Prevention continues to be the key to managing transmission of the novel H1N1 influenza. Continue to cover your cough and practice good hygiene.

Campus-wide, steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students, faculty and staff. However, individuals also must help stop the spread of this disease. First, cover your mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If a tissue is not available, use the crook of your arm. Second, wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. An alcohol-based hand cleaner also may be used. 

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Student FAQ

My parents worried are about whether it’s safe for me to be on campus. What should I tell them?

Campus-wide steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students. Stockton has posted a good deal of information to this website and to the GoPortal student tab. 

What is Stockton doing to prepare for a possible outbreak of novel H1N1 flu?

Stockton is taking steps to educate members of its community about prevention, the symptoms of this flu, and what to do if one becomes sick. The Office of Health Services and its health care professionals are available to treat any students who are symptomatic.

Stockton has formed a Pandemic Response Team that is consulting with Atlantic County and with the State of New Jersey and is prepared to take further steps to protect our students, as needed.

 How should my family and I get information about the novel H1N1 Influenza?

Stockton College has posted a good deal of information to its web site and to GoPortal, including frequently asked questions and links to county, state, national and international health agency web sites where you will find recommendations about prevention, symptoms and what to do if you get sick.

What should I do if I am pregnant or have compromised health? Should I come to campus anyway?

Stockton College recommends you consult with your physician. If your health care provider advises you against coming to campus, you should contact your professors to make alternative arrangements for completing your semester.

Do I have to go to class during this flu outbreak?

Stockton is operating as usual and is not cancelling classes or college-sponsored events as a result of the novel H1N1 influenza.

In the event of an emergency or closing, Stockton will post information to the college’s web site, send information through the college emergency cell phone notification system,    activate its emergency hotline, send out messages through its email and voice mail systems.  Exercise your own judgment about the appropriateness of event attendance.

 If I have questions about academic matters, who should I call? 

You should first call the professor who teaches your class. If you are unable to reach your professor, you should contact your Professor’s school, as follows (usually indicated on the syllabus):

Arts and Humanities                  652-4505
Business                                   652-4534
Education                                 652-4688
General Studies                        652-4542
Health Sciences                        652-4501
Natural Science and Math         652-4546
Social/Behavioral Sciences        652-4512

What’s being done to prevent the spread of disease in residence halls?

Campus-wide, steps are being taken to protect the health, welfare and safety of our students. In residence halls, the college has instituted more rigorous sanitation procedures of public areas.  Additionally, students have been given information about preventative hygiene to help prevent transmission of the flu.

 If the college closes, do I have to leave my residence hall? What if I can’t get home right away?

If Stockton closes, the college will ask students to move back to their permanent residence as soon as they can obtain transportation. If students cannot readily leave campus, residential life will continue to provide essential services based on administrative mandates.

If the college closes and I have to leave without my belongings, how will I arrange to get my belongings?

Stockton will keep its residences halls secure and your belongings should be safe until you return.

How should I clean my room in my residence hall?

Residential Cleaning Recommendations for H1N1 Virus on Surfaces (Adapted from the federal government's pandemic flu planning Website)

1. According to the CDC, influenza A viruses can live on hard surfaces for approximately seven hours, and on porous surfaces for shorter periods of time. Cleaning and disinfection can reduce the number of viruses present on environmental surfaces, which can help to minimize hand transfer of virus.

2. Given this, it would seem prudent for students to use a two step method and take special care to clean and disinfect their living spaces routinely with special focus on, door knobs, floors, window sills, faucets, telephones, computer keyboards and mice, desks, tables; etc, in order to mitigate the spread of the H1N1 flu.

3. The first step in surface treatment is cleaning with soap or detergent in water. Cleaning will remove soil and organic matter that would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the disinfection step that follows. Any commercially available soap or detergent can be used following the manufactures instructions on the label.

4. The second step is the use of a disinfectant, registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), that lists the control and inactivation of human influenza A and/or B on the product label (Note: the H1N1 influenza virus is a strain of the influenza A virus). Many of these disinfectants are commonly available in the cleaning section of stores. Lists of all registered disinfectants can be found here.  

5. Always follow the manufacturer’s label when using a disinfectant for proper ventilation, first aid measures, and proper personal protective equipment such as gloves and eye protection.

6. Pay careful attention to all instructions on the products label, especially the manufacturers recommended contact time. Contact time is the amount of time a product must remain on a surface in order to effectively inactivate the virus.

7. Do not spray (fog) rooms with an aerosol can or pump spray disinfectant. This is a potentially dangerous practice that has no proven control benefit.

8. Do not clean by dry dusting or sweeping as this may create dusts carrying viruses. Use only damp cleaning methods. Change mop heads, rags, and similar items and disinfectant solutions frequently. Consider using disposable cleaning items.

9. Clothing, bedding and towels should not be shaken or otherwise handled in a manner that
may generate dusts. Bag securely before removing from the room. Laundry may be
washed in standard washing machines using warm water and detergent. Wash hands after handling potentially contaminated laundry or consider wearing disposable gloves.
 

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Faculty  FAQ

What if I am sick?

Stay home.  Do not come in. Contact the Assistant Dean of your school or whomever has been designated by your Dean for this purpose. Go to a health care professional and follow their advice.   Use your sick leave to cover your absence.

What if my child is sick or home because their school is closed?

Do not bring your child to campus (whether or not they are sick). The intent of closing schools is to keep children away from groups of people to lessen their possible exposure. Please help us conform to this advice from health officials.
If your child is sick, you are encouraged to go to a health care professional and to follow his/her advice.

What should I do about my classes if I have to stay home?

Contact the Dean or the Assistant Dean of your school as designated by the Dean.  

What if the College closes due to the flu outbreak?

In the event of an emergency or closing, Stockton will post information on the college’s home page, send information through the college emergency cell phone notification system, activate its emergency message on the college phone system (609-652-1776), and send out messages through its email and voice mail systems.  Exercise your own judgment about the appropriateness of event attendance.

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Staff FAQ

What type of leave is available to me in case of a novel H1N1 influenza outbreak or pandemic?

There are no policies establishing special types of leave relating to an influenza outbreak or possible pandemic. All current available forms of leave may be considered for use in the event of an influenza outbreak or pandemic.

Are there any alternative leave provisions being instituted to address absences due to the H1N1 influenza outbreak and possible pandemic?

Stockton is operating as usual and is not cancelling classes or college-sponsored events as a result of the novel H1N1 influenza.

What if I’m not sick, but I need to stay at home to care for my child(ren) or spouse who has the flu?

In the case of this H1N1 Influenza outbreak, there are many unknowns about the spread of the disease and the severity of the illness you and your family members might experience. By policy an employee is ordinarily entitled to use sick leave with pay for the following reasons:

• When the employee's performance of duty is prevented by personal illness, accident or exposure to contagious disease. Additionally, an employee may use leave to care for sick family members.

Do I need to notify my supervisor that I cannot come to work because of the influenza outbreak or pandemic?

In all cases of illness, whether of short or long term, the employee is required to notify his superior of the reason for absence at the earliest possible time.    Please see Department of Personnel Rules and Regulations for further information.

What if I become ill, and am unable to contact my supervisor?

If you are unable to contact your supervisor because you are incapacitated or caring for an incapacitated family member, ask another family member or a friend to contact your supervisor.

If I become sick at work can my supervisor make me leave work?

Yes, a supervisor will ask that you leave work utilizing your benefit time. Persons who become ill with the symptoms of influenza should immediately minimize contact with others to avoid transmission of the disease.

If I don’t have enough leave to cover my absence from work due to the influenza outbreak or pandemic, how can I afford to stay at home until I am completely well before returning to work?

• It is very important that you do not return to work until your symptoms have subsided and you are well enough to return to your regular work duties.
• You are encouraged to educate yourself now regarding the potential risks of an influenza outbreak or pandemic and how to prepare.

What if I’m not sick, but do not want to come to work for fear of becoming ill.  Is my supervisor required to approve my vacation leave request?

It is important to educate yourself about the novel H1N1 virus and its transmission. You may request to take vacation leave. However, your supervisor is not required to approve your leave request if your department is short on staff. During this novel H1N1 influenza outbreak and possible pandemic, under what circumstances could my supervisor cancel vacation leave requests that have already been approved?

• The employer has the authority to cancel any pre-approved vacation leave requests, especially in circumstances where there are serious staff shortages as a result of illness.

• Notice of cancellation of vacation requests would be given as much notice as possible.

If the Governor shuts down state buildings and/or services, will everything be closed like a snow day or will Stockton need to keep essential services going?

In the event of a partial or full-closure of the college, essential support services will be provided for the students on campus. 

Can my supervisor schedule me to work hours or shifts that I normally do not work?

You may be asked to work more hours or shifts than normal, especially if your position is considered an essential service position, or the college is short-staffed as a result of the influenza outbreak. However, the college will honor state and federal laws and collective bargaining contracts as they relate to work and overtime.

If there are large numbers of employees who are unable to come to work because of the influenza outbreak and possible pandemic, is there a maximum number of overtime hours my supervisor can require me to work?

• In the event of a serious outbreak or pandemic, we all may be needed to work differently to ensure the college continues to function and our students are supported.
• You may be asked to work more hours or different hours than normal, to a maximum of 16 hours, especially if your position is considered an essential service position, or the college is short-staffed as a result of the influenza outbreak.

For Travelers and International Students

• Stockton Travel Advisory –Stockton Homepage
• U. S. Department of State Travel Alerts 
• Centers for Disease Control  Travelers’ Health Information 

Health and Agency Resources

• American College Health Association 
• Atlantic County 
• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Pandemic Influenza Awareness Program 
• New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Novel H1N1 Influenza Information for Businesses and Employers
• New Jersey’s Pandemic Influenza Plan 
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  
• World Health Organization (WHO)  

   

 

Taken from the University of North Texas website. Used with permission.