The Steward: January 2010
H1N1 and how it affects you
Swine flu, or H1N1, emerged in April 2009 and is a stronger variant of the seasonal flu. The WHO maintains its status as a pandemic and Health Canada estimates 309 deaths associated with the virus nationwide. In an effort to reduce exposure, it is recommended that students and staff who develop flu-like symptoms isolate themselves and avoid attending classes. Students who develop symptoms such as cough and fever, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat, headache and/or runny nose should register with the Student Service Centre and do not require a medical certificate to be excused from classes. UBC recommends leniency from teaching staff for students who suspect they have contracted the virus.
In October the UBC Department of Health, Safety and Environment released their Pandemic Influenza Response Plan. The Plan reaffirms that teaching staff have the right to stay home if they contract H1N1 and that such information is considered personal information under provincial privacy legislation (FOIPPA) and should not be shared with co-workers unless the staff member chooses to do so themselves. Teaching staff likewise have the right to refuse unsafe work should another staff member display symptoms and refuse to stay at home. Any CUPE 2278 member who is obligated to engage in unsafe work should contact their union representative.
Anyone who develops H1N1 symptoms are advised to remain indoors 24 hours after their fever is gone. It is advised that an ill person wash their hands frequently, cough only into a tissue or their arm, drink lots of fluids, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen every 4-6 hours to bring down their fever and to take away any aches and pains. Fevers that exceed 100° F (37.8°C), wheezing or shortness of breath, and/or chest pain should receive a health assessment.
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