University of Michigan - Flint

How are H1N1 Flu (swine flu), seasonal flu, and avian flu different? How is an outbreak and a pandemic different? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes the differences in the following manner…

 H1N1 Flu a new influenza virus causing illness in people. spreading from person-to-person, much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.  This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

Seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Every year in the United States, on average: 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications; and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes.

Avian flu is caused by avian influenza viruses, which occur naturally among birds.  Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. During an outbreak of avian influenza among poultry, there is a possible risk to people who have direct contact with infected birds or surfaces that have been contaminated with secretions or excretions from infected birds.

An outbreak is the occurrence of a large number of cases of a disease that occurs or erupts in a short period of time. It can be within a small geographical area or spread out over a large region.Pandemic flu is flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness that spreads quickly and easily from person to person, country to country, world wide.

 H1N1 Flu Preparations at UM-Flint - Fall 2009 preparedness planning preparations have been under way for the H1N1 strain of swine flu that began being tracked internationally earlier in April 2009. The University continues to actively develop and coordinate emergency planning and preparedness using the “All Hazards Approach” encompassing not only fire, severe weather, medical emergencies, but also emergencies involving the spread of infectious and communicable illnesses. Each department and person plays an important role in our overall campus' emergency preparedness. This year, campus preparedness planning has focused special attention upon the arrival of the H1N1 flu and the anticipated increase in absenteeism and potential disruption to the campus.

Flu Vaccination Clinics - Several seasonal flu vaccinations are scheduled during Septmeber and October 2009.  The first that is open to the campus community  is scheduled September 29th from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the Activities Room in the Recreation Center Building.  Check back for additional dates/times of clinics scheduled on campus.  Also check the UM-Flint Urban Health and Wellness Clinic website for additional information.

Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) It is essential that each department have an up-to-date business continuity plan so that the essential operations will safely continue with limited interruption. A continuity planning template has been designed by the University for departments to use as a guide or initial starting point, when beginning the process of developing there own business continuity plans.  Some issues to consider as you develop, review or further fine-tune your plans include:

Ö        What critical operations or business must continue, and can be done from a remote location (i.e. employee’s home, secondary office location)?

Ö        Does your operation have a way to contact students, faculty, staff, other stakeholders if there is an event cancellation, class suspension, department closure, building closure?

Ö        Which employees must report to work, even if classes are canceled? Are employees crossed trained in multiply job functions in the event some one is not able to perform critical tasks due to illness

Ö         If the university is not closed, but employees or students are away because of illness or taking care of relatives, how does that impact classes? business operations?

Ö        Have you coordinated your continuity plans with other departments that you may be relying upon for emergency services… Facilities Management, DPS, ITS, EBS, etc.?

Ö        Have you identified alternate suppliers and or service providers in the event that those contractors that you supply upon for essential supplies or services are unable to provide the necessary supplies/services during a local/regional outbreak?

Do you need help with your preparedness planning?  The Environment, Health and Safety department works closely with other internal departments as well as the Genesee County Health department, Ann Arbor campus OSEH, UHS, and the Dearborn Campus in reviewing and updating, where needed, our campus infectious hazard preparedness planning efforts. The key to being prepared is understanding the relevant health risks, following good hygiene practices, practicing safe and healthy behavior, getting sufficient rest, eating healthy foods, and staying home if you do become ill.

Recent H1N1 Communications - Here are links to the recent University of Michigan – Flint H1N1 flu communications to the campus community:

H1N1 Flu Letter to Students & Parents – August 2009

H1N1 Flu Letter to Staff members – August 2009

H1N1 Flu Letter to Faculty Members – September 2009

H1N1 Flu Letter to Early Childhood Development Center Community Members – September 2009

 H1N1 Flu Campus Update - October 30, 2009

 H1N1 Flu Update for ECDC Families and Staff - November 1, 2009

Additional Resources - These are links to national, state and county health agencies’ web sites with useful information for understanding influenza as well as staying healthy