Preventative measures still the best way to curb the spread of H1N1-virus

Preventative measures still the best way to curb the spread of H1N1-virus
“To follow the prescribed preventative measures, such as washing your hands regularly and coughing or sneezing into a handkerchief (or even into the crook of your arm) and to seek immediate medical attention if any flu symptoms are experienced, even if it later turns out to be seasonal flu, are still the most important ways of curbing the spread of the H1N1 virus.”

This is the opinion of Dr Pierre Viviers, Head of Campus Health Services (CHS). Stellenbosch University (SU) has been notified during the past few days that a number of its students have attracted the virus. According to information received there have not been serious complications with any of the confirmed cases.

“There is no reason to panic,” Dr Viviers said. Students, who experience any of the symptoms associated with flu, must ensure that they receive medical attention. If there is a change in the situation, it will be communicated to the campus.”

According to Dr Viviers the University does not – according to national protocol – routinely test for possible cases of the virus and persons are treated according to the symptoms they experience only. The treatment for the H1N1 virus (novel) does not differ from the treatment for normal seasonal flu. Symptomatic treatment, rest, and taking in fluids, remains the correct way of dealing with all cases of flu.

Symptoms include fever, a blocked or runny nose, a sore throat, coughing, muscle pain, cramps and tiredness. Especially staff and students who have recently travelled internationally and start experiencing some of these symptoms should immediately get medical help.
There is no reason to cancel travelling arrangements, to institute quarantine measures or to wear masks.

At the beginning of the semester, the Management of Stellenbosch University reassured staff and students via e-mail that CHS is ensuring that Stellenbosch University remains abreast of the latest developments. The way the current situation is managed, is backed by national protocol and by advice received by the University’s own experts.

“Stellenbosch University is privileged to have the necessary expertise and processes to handle any cases rapidly and efficiently, thanks to CHS and our Faculty of Health Sciences. If the situation does change drastically, the latest developments will be communicated to the campus community,” Prof Julian Smith, Acting Rector said in the e-mail.

CHS provides the necessary support to staff and students needing medical attention.
Stellenbosch Medi-Clinic and Stellenbosch Hospital have also been contacted to set in place a reference procedure from CHS to these hospitals, which are also recommended for the reporting of possible cases after hours and during weekends. Students on the Tygerberg campus can obtain medical assistance at the Louis Leipoldt Hospital, the Durbanville Medi-Clinic en die N1 City Hospital. Staff and students who live elsewhere are requested to report possible infections to the hospital of their choice as soon as possible.

Staff and students should inform University management and CHS immediately should their infection with the virus be confirmed so that people with whom they have had contact can be informed and further procedures can be activated.

• General information about the H1N1 virus is available at www.capegateway.gov.za , www.who.int and www.cdc.gov . CHS can be contacted for queries and more information on tel: 021 808 3496/3494 for Stellenbosch campus or on tel: 021 938 9590 for the Tygerberg campus. CHS has a clinic in Claassen Street (between Metanoia and Heemstede) in Stellenbosch and in the student centre at Tygerberg.