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Influenza 2009-2010 - FAQ for Parents

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Frequently Asked Questions

If my child is ill with flu-like symptoms, how will he/she be cared for?

All students will be instructed to call the Flu Line at YUHS at 866-924-YALE (9253) with concerns, symptoms or questions.  A nurse will screen the student for possible flu and recommended action to be taken.  If the student is instructed to return to his/her college room, ongoing medical support will be coordinated by Yale University Health Services in the form of daily phone calls and/or visits from a Care Team until the student recovers.

How soon will vaccine be administered?

While we anticipate an H1N1 Vaccine beginning sometime in October, initial supply limitations will dictate high risk populations as priority. 

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic locations and criteria will be communicated via YUHS Website http://www.yale.edu/yuhs/  and  http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency

YUHS will also have seasonal flu vaccine clinics and we recommend that everyone, especially if they have any chronic medical conditions to get the seasonal flu vaccine.

How can I be assured my child will receive vaccine as soon as it is available?

The groups recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

  • Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated;
  • Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;
  • Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;
  • All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
  • Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children and they are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and
  • Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,
  • Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

The CDC is also recommending all eligible people receive the vaccine, even if they have had an illness with flu-like symptoms.

As with the annual seasonal Influenza vaccination, some people will need to be screened more carefully prior to receiving the H1N1 Vaccine.  These include people with an allergy to eggs, people who have had problems after receiving seasonal flu shots in the past, or anyone who is moderately or acutely ill at the time of the flu vaccination.  Health care personnel will provide screening at flu clinics.

ALL STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO RECEIVE THE ANNUAL SEASONAL FLU VACCINE.  Multiple Seasonal Flu clinics have already been scheduled.  As the H1N1 Vaccine becomes available, availability of clinics and priority requirements will be communicated.

What will you do if my child’s roommate is sick with flu symptoms?

As much as possible, we will try to keep ill students separated from those who are without symptoms. Roommates and suitemates who cannot be relocated will be reminded to take the important precautionary measures of thorough and frequent hand washing and sanitizing, not sharing computer keyboards, and not drinking from the same container as a sick person.  Sick students whose families live near Yale may be encouraged to return home until they are able to resume academic work.

Will you be providing my child with anti-viral medication to stay healthy?  Why or Why not?

YUHS will be following the Guidelines as per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.gov).  Currently, the guidelines support the provision of antiviral medications to persons with the following conditions:

  • Chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological (including sickle cell disease), neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus);
  • Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV;
  • Pregnant women;
  • Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy;

Clinical judgment is an important factor in treatment decisions. Persons with suspected novel H1N1 influenza who present with an uncomplicated febrile illness typically do not require antiviral treatment unless they are at higher risk for influenza complications.

What accommodations will be made if he/she can’t attend class? 

An undergraduate student who has the flu will be advised to contact their Residential Dean. The Dean will consult with faculty regarding the students missed assignments and examinations and make accommodations as appropriate.

Graduate and Professional School students are encouraged to contact their school. A list of contact names and numbers are available on the Graduate and Profesional Flu Guide.

My child has a chronic medical condition.  Does the plan change?  How?

Post exposure antiviral prophylaxis can be considered for the following:

  • Close contacts of cases (confirmed, probable, or suspected) who are at high-risk for complications of influenza (See high risk conditions in #5 above.)

Close contact, is defined as having cared for or lived with a person who is a confirmed, probable or suspected case of novel influenza A (H1N1), or having been in a setting where there was a high likelihood of contact with respiratory droplets and/or body fluids of such a person. Examples of close contact include kissing or embracing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or any other contact between persons likely to result in exposure to respiratory droplets. Close contact typically does not include activities such as walking by an infected person or sitting across from a symptomatic patient in a waiting room or office.

How will he/she get food/fluids/other supplies?

Dining Halls are prepared to provide “box lunches” for all meals.  Each college will detail the process of pick-up and delivery to ill students.  The Master of the student’s college will be informed that the student is to remain in his/her room, and arrangements will be made to get food and fluids to him/her. 

Graduate and Professional School students who live in campus housing should contact Graduate Housing at 432-2167.

What other things are you doing to ensure the on-going health of my child? 

Information is available and being updated regularly on the Yale Health Plan Website http://www.yale.edu/yuhs/  and  http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency

Personal habits to remain healthy will be highlighted and include:

What should I do personally?


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.
    • Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home for a week or so; a supply of over-the-counter medicines, alcohol-based hand rubs, tissues and other related items might could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious
    • 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. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. 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.

  • What should I do to keep my environment healthy?

    • Do not share drinking glasses or phones.
    • Keep your environment clean – wash your bed linens weekly, use antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces in your room.
    • Avoid sharing your computer with others – keep the keyboard clean using a sanitizing wipe.
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