Emergency Preparedness

Indiana State Department of Health reports that six people in Indiana died from H1N1 flu last week

INDIANAPOLIS -- Six more Indiana swine flu deaths were reported last week, even as the number of people hospitalized with flu symptoms continued to drop.

Six confirmed H1N1 deaths were reported in the week that ended Saturday, bringing the total number of swine flu deaths to 28 since June 1. State health department medical director Joan Duwve says the deaths are a stark reminder that swine flu is still a problem. She’s urging people to get the vaccine. More >>

Get the facts about H1N1 and the new H1N1 vaccine

Unlike recent flu seasons, this year there are two flu vaccines – one for the seasonal flu and one for the H1N1 Influenza. Hospitals and doctors’ offices across the country are receiving the H1N1 vaccine and will continue to as the flu season progresses. IU Health Center Medical Director Dr. Diana Ebling provides answers to some of the commonly asked questions about the H1N1 flu vaccine. More >>

Indiana Influenza (Flu) Surveillance Summary

INDIANAPOLIS -- During the week of Oct. 25-31, 2009, the following was observed in Indiana:

Burden of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) in the Community

· While the percentage of Influenza-Like Illness reported by the emergency department (ED) surveillance system decreased compared to the previous week, the current rate (10.6%) remains considerably elevated above the seasonal peak experienced during the 2008/9 influenza season.

· The percent of patients presenting at sentinel providers with Influenza-Like Illness (13.1%) is at its highest level since the inception of this surveillance system. University-affiliated sentinel sites reported lower levels of Influenza-Like Illness in their patient populations compared to other sentinel sites. This is in contrast to the first six weeks of reporting this data, where university-affiliated sentinel sites consistently reported higher Influenza-Like Illness rates compared to other sentinel sites. More >>

2009 H1N1 flu continues to impact young people

The CDC held the first of its two weekly H1N1 briefings today and said that young people continue to be hit especially hard by the 2009 H1N1 virus. More than half of the hospitalizations from 2009 H1N1 flu reported by 27 states from Sept. 1 and Oct. 10 were people age 24 and younger. About 23 percent of the deaths reported from 28 states during this period were in this age group. More >>

Where to find the H1N1 Flu Vaccine in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS -- State health officials recommend everyone over 6 months of age get the seasonal flu vaccine as soon as they can. The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus, but the seasonal flu is also circulating in Indiana. Indiana’s 93 local health departments will be determining how the H1N1 flu vaccine will be distributed in their communities. Information on H1N1 flu vaccine availability, per county/city health department can be found on the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine information page at http://www.in.gov/flu/2443.htm.

The site will be updated regularly about vaccine availability in your Indiana county.

Indiana State health officials are also offering a toll-free hotline for the public to call for information on the H1N1 flu and its vaccine at: 1-877-826-0011 or TTY 1-888-561-0044. It will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday.

The Indiana State Department of Health to announce flu-related deaths in its weekly flu activity report

INDIANAPOLIS -- State health officials today reported one resident of Morgan County and one resident of Tippecanoe County have died from H1N1 flu-related complications. The Indiana State Department of Health will not be releasing any other information about the individuals for confidentiality reasons.

To date, there have been seven H1N1 flu-related deaths in Indiana. After this week, the Department will continue to report any flu-related deaths (H1N1 and seasonal flu) in the weekly flu activity report (available at: http://www.in.gov/flu), but will not be issuing news releases on each death. More>>

State Health Officials Announce Injectable Form of H1N1 Flu Vaccine is Starting to be Delivered

INDIANAPOLIS -- State health officials today announced they have received word that some of Indiana's 93 local health departments have started receiving limited quantities of the injectable form of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A vaccine. According to state health officials, due to the very limited number of doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine currently coming to the state, many local health departments are only able to target small numbers of individuals in the high risk groups and will not yet be holding public vaccination clinics. More >>

State Health Commissioner Confirms Fifth H1N1 Flu-Related Death

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D., today reported the fifth H1N1 flu-related death in Indiana. This resident of St. Joseph County was previously reported to be suspected to have died from flu-related complications. Dr. Monroe encourages Hoosiers to continue to practice the three Cs to prevent the spread of the flu virus: Clean - properly wash your hands frequently, Cover - cover your cough and sneeze, and Contain - contain your germs by staying home if you are sick. More >>

Indiana gives out first of its doses of the H1N1 Flu vaccine

INDIANAPOLIS -- Federal, state, and local officials were on hand at Wishard's Lockefield Village in Indianapolis to see the first doses of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A vaccine being given to Hoosiers. Health care providers and emergency medical services workers from Wishard Health Services received doses of the live, attenuated nasal mist form of the H1N1 flu vaccine. According to State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D., the live, attenuated nasal mist form of the vaccine is only recommended for healthy, non-pregnant people aged 2 to 49 years. More >>

State To Provide Weekly Updates on Influenza Surveillance

State health officials say they will be providing a weekly update on influenza (flu) activity in Indiana each Wednesday, starting today. This update will include general information on flu activity, based on surveillance across the state, but will NOT include flu case counts on either the state or the county level. The update will be posted on the state's 2009 H1N1 Influenza A Web site at: www.in.gov/flu every Wednesday.

"Providing numbers of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases will not give a true picture of flu activity in the state," said Pam Pontones, acting state epidemiologist at the Indiana State Department of Health. "We know the 2009 H1N1 flu is circulating throughout the state, and we cannot test every person with the flu. What's important at this point is to monitor activity in both 2009 H1N1 flu and seasonal flu to detect any changes in the virus. We will continue to monitor flu activity and inform the public of how much seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu activity we are seeing in the state and provide updates if we detect any changes in the severity of illnesses." More >>

State health commissioner says influenza vaccines are safe and effective

State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D. is urging Hoosiers to get the seasonal influenza (flu) vaccine now and to plan to get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it is offered in Indiana. "Flu vaccine is safe and effective, and prevents thousands of hospitalizations and deaths every year," said Dr. Monroe. "Influenza vaccines have been used for more than 60 years and have an established record of safety in all age groups." According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the 2009 H1N1 influenza A vaccines approved today underwent the same rigorous FDA manufacturing oversight, product quality testing, and lot release procedures that apply to seasonal influenza vaccines. Read More >>

State health officials encourage Hoosiers to get seasonal flu vaccine

The Indiana State Health Department is encouraging Hoosiers to get a seasonal influenza vaccine, which is now available in most communities. The seasonal flu vaccine will not provide protection against the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A, but state health officials say it is still important to get the seasonal flu vaccine. About 36,000 people die each year in the United States due to seasonal flu-related illnesses. Read More >>

Updated H1N1 virus information available for all IU students

With the start of a new academic year, Indiana University administrators are reminding students of the likely return of H1N1 flu virus sometime this fall or winter. In the United States most cases of the new flu have been mild. However, the flu -- H1N1 or the seasonal variety -- can be a serious illness.

IU health officials are following the recommendations of state and federal agencies and are monitoring H1N1 developments continually. Throughout the 2009-10 flu season, updated information will be posted at this Web site, as well as on Web sites for individual IU campuses.

In the meantime, administrators at all IU campuses urge students, faculty and staff to practice simple, common sense precautions to guard against the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu -- wash hands frequently, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective, and anyone experiencing flu symptoms should stay at home and contact their health care provider.

For additional information about H1N1 and preparations at Indiana University, please use the links on the right-hand side of this Web page.

H1N1 Flu Q&A

All Indiana University campuses are taking precautions to prevent or limit the outbreak of H1N1 flu among students, faculty, and staff. We are following the recommendations of state and federal health officials and are actively monitoring the situation.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. Although often mild, the new flu can be a serious illness. Symptoms include fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, and sometimes diarrhea.

Vaccine to protect against this new H1N1 flu is in development. Please see the links below for the latest information about a vaccine. There are precautions that can be taken now to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu. It’s important to wash hands frequently, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Stay home if you have flu symptoms.

To help our patients, their families, and the University community understand more about H1N1 flu we have created this page and provided links to important sources of information.

Q & A with Diana Ebling, M.D., IU Health Center Medical Director:

Q. What is H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)?

A. This is a new strain of influenza A virus infection that was first detected in the United States in the spring of 2009. The symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. It is often a mild illness, particularly in otherwise healthy people, however those with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease have a greater risk of complications.

Q. Do college students, as they tend to mingle, be socially interactive and often live together or attend classes in relatively close quarters to one another, need to take any special precautions at this time?

A. Flu is spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. Since students live in such close proximity, it’s particularly important that they follow infection prevention measures such as frequent hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, covering mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve if coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.

Q. What should a student, faculty, or staff member do if they become ill with flu symptoms?

A. Stay home and not return to school or work until they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on them and to bring them food and supplies if needed. If someone is caring for them they should wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when the care giver is in the room.

• Call their health care provider if they have a chronic health condition to
determine if they should take prescription antiviral medication.

• Get plenty of rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids (such as water, sports drinks, broth) to keep from getting dehydrated.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or shirt sleeve.

• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer often and always after coughing or sneezing.

• Be watchful for emergency warning signs and seek emergency medical care if difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting with inability to keep fluids down, or other serious symptoms develop.

Q. Do those with the flu need to take prescription antiviral medications?

A. Antiviral medications are generally not needed in otherwise healthy people because most people get better on their own. However people with certain health conditions (such as pregnancy, asthma, heart disease, diabetes) are at higher risk of flu complications and should contact their health care provider for treatment.

Q. Who should receive the flu vaccine?

A. The flu vaccine is the single most important way to prevent the flu.
This year there will be two different vaccines; one for seasonal flu and another for 2009 H1N1 flu. It is advisable to get the seasonal vaccine as soon as it is available. CDC predicts that the H1N1 vaccine will begin to be available in October or November. Vaccination for H1N1 will initially be recommended for certain priority groups. Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination and can be found at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination. Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Q. What about special precautions for families who will be coming to the region from around the country and the world for IU events?

A. It is important that if family members are ill with flu symptoms that they stay home and not travel until they are well and until they have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without taking fever reducing medications.

Q. Additional measures that can limit transmission of flu include reduction of unnecessary social contacts, and avoidance whenever possible of crowded settings. At this time, should IU students, faculty or staff be concerned about implementing social distancing or avoiding large gatherings?

A. It’s most important that everyone practice the everyday prevention measures mentioned above. Certainly anyone that has flu symptoms should isolate at home and avoid public gatherings. For those who are well there is no need to avoid public gatherings. However, those at higher risk of flu complications may want to consider avoiding large public gatherings if H1N1 flu becomes more severe or widespread. If H1N1 becomes more severe the University will be following the recommendations of local, state, and federal health officials concerning social distancing measures.

Influenza pandemic alert raised to phase 6

On the basis of available evidence and expert assessments of the evidence, the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic have been met. The Director-General of WHO has therefore decided to raise the level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 5 to phase 6. "The world is now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic," she said at a press conference today. Read More >>

The World Health Organization explains what a phase 6 pandemic means. Read More >>

Lessons to be learned from the H1N1 Flu outbreak

This essay appears here with the permission of its author, Stephen Wintermeyer, MD, MPH. Wintermeyer is an associate professor of clinical medicine in the IU School of Medicine Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Occupational Medicine. He is also an adjunct associate professor in the Department of Public Health.

As we approach the one month mark since the World Health Organization raised its world-wide pandemic alert level to Phase 5, it is appropriate to consider what lessons the community has learned, or should have learned from the last month. All groups that dealt with this outbreak, including the public, company and school leaders, media, government officials, physicians and public health experts, should all have learned plenty. Read More >>

IU lifts travel ban to Mexico

Patrick O’Meara, IU Vice President for International Affairs, after consultation with key university officials including the IU Emergency Preparedness Committee, has announced that Indiana University has terminated IU’s suspension of travel to Mexico. This is based on the May 15th decision of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to lift its Travel Advisory to Mexico as well as the U.S. Department of State’s cancellation of its Travel Alert for travelers to Mexico. Nevertheless, those who decide to travel to Mexico, as well as other parts of the world, should follow CDC precautions to minimize H1N1 contagion (see: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/#stay_healthy).

IU summer programs to Mexico that were already formally cancelled will not be reinstated due to the subsequent arrangements made in each case.

A letter from IU President Michael A. McRobbie

Since last Sunday (April 26) when the federal government declared a public health emergency in response to the outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) in the United States, key members of my administration have been working to ensure that Indiana University is taking every precaution to protect students and employees on all eight campuses from unnecessary risks.

Today, I am writing to report on what we have done so far and what other actions you might anticipate should the situation worsen in Indiana or any of our students or employees test positive for infection with Influenza A (H1N1). Read More >>