H1N1 Virus FAQ

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?
H1N1 (also referred to as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus. This virus was first detected in the U.S. last spring.  This virus is spread from person-to-person contact through the transmission of fluids, much in the same way that the regular seasonal influenza virus is spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization signaled that a pandemic of the H1N1 flu was under way.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some of those infected have also reported experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus, although they have been largely caused by an underlying medical condition.

How do you prevent the spread of swine flu?
   ·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw used tissues away after use.
   ·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Hands should be scrubbed for a minimum of 20 seconds.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.  HCC has installed hand-sanitizing stations throughout high traffic areas on all campuses as additional protection.
·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are easily spread that way.
·         Stay home if you get sick. The CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine or for 7 days after the onset of symptoms.   Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick; try not to leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
If your symptoms are severe or you have an underlying medical condition such as asthma or are pregnant, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.  Most providers are not testing for H1N1 as it is the most common form of the flu existing at this time. 

Is there a cure?
An immunization is currently being developed and is anticipated to be completed by mid to late fall.  The current seasonal flu shot does not protect you from H1N1, although it may lessen its duration and some of the effects should you contract H1N1.   

What should I do if I missed classes because of flu or flu symptoms?
Students are required to attend class regularly and punctually. It is the student’s responsibility to read the syllabus, comply with the instructor policy on absences, and arrange to make up work missed because of absence or lateness.  If you become ill, please notify your professors immediately.  Given the prevalence of this flu and our recognition of its potential widespread impact, our college faculty and administration are prepared to work with students who have missed classes because of the H1N1 virus. 

Can I withdraw or drop a class due to medical illness?
Administrative withdrawals are granted for reasons of illness or extenuating circumstances.
Students may petition the appropriate campus (home campus) Dean of Student Services for a late drop or withdrawl from classes. 

Will Bright Futures pay for classes dropped during the semester due to illness?
·         Students will be required to repay the cost for any course dropped or withdrawn.
·         Repayment for the cost of dropped or withdrawn courses is required to renew a Bright Futures award for a subsequent academic year.
·         Students with documented extenuating circumstances may seek an appeal to this payment requirement.
·         Contact your Financial Aid Office to inquire about:
1.       The amount you will owe if you drop or withdraw from a class.
2.       If you qualify for an appeal waiving your obligation to repay funds owed. You can find the most current information on the spread of the virus at:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ and www.flu.gov.

In addition to Hawkmail and Campus Cruiser, the College will use Hawk Alert in case of emergencies or closures.  Please subscribe to HCC's messaging service as this will be one of the communication tools used by the college in the event of a closure is a pandemic occurs.  www.hccfl.edu/alerts

Click here to read a message to HCC students from Dr. Stephenson.

Go here for a message to Hawks Landing residents regarding H1N1 (swine) flu.