H1N1 Virus
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The World Health Organization declared the H1N1 Virus, commonly known as Swine Flu, to be a global pandemic due to the spread of the virus worldwide and reminds individuals that it is still safe to travel. The best form of prevention continues to be good hygiene practices and early detection of symptoms.
Interstudy staff is prepared to take necessary steps to help protect our students and staff in the event of any pandemic illness, including H1N1. We are monitoring the development of this global situation and provide updates to students, parents, study abroad advisors, and employees as the situation warrants. Students and parents are encouraged to contact Interstudy directly with questions or concerns about Swine Flu abroad and staying healthy.
If student safety is at risk in any way, Interstudy will refer to the Emergency Action Plan. Unless the Emergency Action Plan is needed, any student who decides independently to return home early due to concerns about H1N1 will be subject to the Interstudy’s cancelation policy regarding reimbursement of fees and transfer of academic credit.
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How can I help prevent the spread of H1N1?
To prevent the spread of H1N1 avoid touching your mouth and nose; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand rub like Purell; avoid close contact with people who might be ill; reduce the time spent in crowded settings; and if you feel sick, stay home and recover.
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What are the symptoms of H1N1?
The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the season flu and can include any combination of the following: fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, and runny nose. Additionally, those with H1N1 have reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea in some instances when other symptoms are present.
If you think you have the flu, contact Interstudy onsite staff immediately so that they can help you to consult with a doctor and make arrangements to help aid in your recovery.
Interstudy relies on the guidelines of the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and recommendations from our partner institutions for recognizing symptoms and taking precautions to stay healthy. H1N1 virus is transmitted in a similar fashion to the seasonal flu and similar precautions of good hygiene should be utilized to protect yourself and others from the spread of H1N1 and the seasonal flu.
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What if I become sick?
If you become sick and develop flu like symptoms you should stay in your room, avoid going to class, and avoid being in large crowds except to seek medical care. Rest and take plenty of fluids. Contact Interstudy onsite staff immediately. They can help you locate a university health center or nearby medical clinic and can also contact health officials on your behalf. Inform your campus health professional and if they deem it necessary, make an appointment to see them. The majority of Interstudy students will be living in University run campus residences during their semester abroad. Most likely your host university will have its own recommendations or even regulations intended to contain the virus. Please be responsible and courteous by following these rules.
If you have shortness of breath or your fever lasts for more than three days, you should seek medical care. Most cases of the H1N1 virus will be mild and one can expect recovery in 5-7 days with rest and the consumption of fluids. The CDC recommends that you stay in your room until at least 24 hours have passed since you had a fever (temperature of more than 100º F).
If you are at higher risk for flu complications i.e. people with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) and become sick with flu-like symptoms you should call your health care provider as soon as possible to determine if you need antiviral treatment.
Students with a single room should remain in their room and receive care and meals from a friend or flu buddy, if possible. Establishing a “flu buddy system” in which you pair up with someone to care for each other if one or the other becomes ill is one way to accomplish this. If you are the “flu buddy” or caring for a friend with symptoms, it is advised to wear a surgical mask when in contact with the infected individual.
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CISI Insurance
All Interstudy students receive medical insurance through Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI).If you need to be go to the doctor for suspected symptoms of H1N1, this visit is covered by our policy.Initially, with international doctors, you may have to pay out of pocket. However, you can file a claim and be reimbursed quickly through CISI by submitting their claim form.Additionally, to start the claim process for hospital stays or treatment call 713.267.2525 if you are outside the US.Your policy number is on your insurance card and the claim form can be found on the Interstudy website under Student Forms.
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Travel
If you have not already left for your study abroad program or are traveling during a break know that certain countries have added checkpoints to curb the spread of H1N1. If you are detained at one of these checkpoints because of suspected symptoms, contact Interstudy onsite staff to let them know so they can alert your host institution.
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Resources
The World Health Organization and Center for Disease Control have the most up to date information on changing H1N1 conditions worldwide. Refer to these sites for H1N1 and other disease information before intended travel.
US State Department: www.state.gov/
US Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
World Health Organization: www.who.int/
Flu.gov: www.pandemicflu.gov/
The United States has the largest number of H1N1 cases in the world. Though Interstudy recommends following general sanitary precautions, we do not believe that our students are more at risk for H1N1 abroad than they are at home. Additionally, please remember that while H1N1 has been affecting more young and healthy patients than influenza strains in recent years, H1N1 continues to be most severe and dangerous in small children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.
