A(H1N1) influenza announcement #11

Announcement #11 regarding the New Type of Influenza

To Those Currently Studying Abroad

The new type of influenza A(H1N1) appears to be spreading rapidly and on a worldwide scale. As of May 17, the three countries of Mexico, the USA, and Canada have determined that the spread of this new virus is such that it is epidemiologically impossible to track. In a report from WHO, the level of contagiousness and the number of deaths from this new type of both appear higher that the seasonal influenza, with a fatality rate of about 0.4%. However, one characteristic of this epidemic is that, unlike the regular seasonal influenza, the numbers of those infected and killed by the virus aged 60 or older is relatively low. Thus, if one considers the apparent relatively higher death rate for the A(H1N1) virus in age groups under 60, it may be that this new virus warrants serious concern.

Therefore, for those members of Osaka University currently abroad, please follow the WHO Guidelines below and pay special attention to your safety and health while leading a meaningful life abroad.

WHO Guidelines (Summary)
For the original text, please refer to the link below.
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/guidance/individuals/en/index.html

General Advice
In urban areas, the following general measures are important to preventing the spread of the influenza virus.
For persons in good health :

• Maintain a distance of at least one meter from people with influenza-like symptoms.
• Refrain from touching your mouth and nose.
• Utilize soap and water or alcohol-based disinfectants (skin-cleaning cotton, wet tissues, etc) and frequently disinfect your hands and fingers. Please clean your hands after touching something possibly contaminated, especially one’s mouth and nose.
• As much as possible, limit your time of close contact with persons possibly infected with the A(H1N1) virus.
• As much as possible, limit your time in crowded places.
• Open windows to improve the flow of air throughout rooms as much as possible.

For persons with influenza-like symptoms :

• If your condition gets worse when home, please follow the advice from the district’s Department of Public Hygiene.

In addition :

• Students studying abroad: contact the diplomatic mission (consulate or embassy) in the country or region you are studying in.
• If you should be diagnosed as being infected with the new type of influenza, please contact Osaka University.

• As much as possible, keep your distance (at least one meter) from people in good health.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue, and contain the secretion from your respiratory system inside the tissue. Dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash and disinfect your hands.
• Open windows to improve the flow of air throughout the room as much as possible.

Concerning the use of a mask :

• To the degree possible, cover your mouth and nose with a mask and wear it tightly in order to prevent openings between the mask and your face.
• Avoid touching the mask when wearing it.
• When touching a used mask (for example, when taking it off or washing it), use soap and water or an alcohol-based disinfectant (skin-cleaning cotton, wet tissue, etc) to disinfect your hands and fingers.
• If the mask becomes moist, immediately change it for a new dry mask.
• Do not reuse disposable masks. (Disposable masks are meant for one-time use only. Immediately dispose of a mask after removing it.)