H1N1 FAQs

The safety and health of our students, staff and faculty is a priority. Planning is underway at U of C to handle H1N1 situation as it evolves with the return of students in the fall and the possibility of increased number of cases. The university regularly updates its pandemic plan and is currently updating the plan due to the likelihood of H1N1 issues this fall. The university follows Alberta Health Services for provincial health measures and for travel measures, the Public Health Agency of Canada. We are communicating with students, faculty and staff on how to reduce the spread of influenza and where to get more information. Visit AHS for the latest information about H1N1 and this site for university-related updates.

The University of Calgary’s Olympic Oval is host to one of Alberta Health Services’ six public H1N1 immunization clinics. As of Nov. 5, the Oval clinic is targeted for Albertans at high risk. Starting on Thursday, Nov. 5, children aged 6 months (on day of vaccination) to under five years as of Nov. 1 will be targeted. Proof of age (Health Care card, birth certificate or other valid identification) must be provided. On Friday, Nov. 6, the program will expand to include pregnant women.

The decision to open this clinic came at the request of Alberta Health Services. The University follows the recommendations and advice of AHS on all health-related issues.

The University of Calgary offered seasonal flu vaccinations over a four-day period to faculty, staff and students on Oct. 26, 27 and 28, Nov. 2.

All residence students will receive information about H1N1 as part of their orientation and we also have an education campaign that will run throughout the fall. All staff at the residences are receiving training on H1N1, its symptoms, and how to encourage students to practice good hygiene.

We have created a stockpile of protective gear, including masks and gloves, for the residences. We are creating plans to have food delivery directly to students living in residences should that be required. Several months ago we heightened the cleaning standards in all residence buildings. We will continue with this enhanced level of cleaning as one additional measure to keep students healthy.

We are working with Alberta Health Services to develop case-specific plans if there is an outbreak in one of the residence buildings. We will take Alberta Health Services advice on the best course of action. We are investigating our ability to isolate students as required, and as recommended by health experts.

Continuity is part of the U of C’s overall emergency preparedness plan, which is being enhanced to deal specifically with the issues related to H1N1.

U of C health and wellness experts are working closely with their counterparts in the provincial government and monitor directions of the Public Health Agency of Canada to ensure actions are co-ordinated and appropriate steps are being taken to deal with the H1N1 issue. The University of Calgary follows the recommendations of Alberta Health Services on provincial health measures and is guided by the Federal government. For travel, the university follows the recommendations of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

• Stay home and limit unnecessary contact with others.
• Contact HEALTHLink Alberta at 1-866-408-5465 for more information on respiratory illnesses.
• If your symptoms worsen (shortness of breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness) contact your doctor or the U of C Wellness Centre at 403.210.WELL.

• Clean hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Contact HEALTHLink Alberta at 1-866-408-5465 for more information on respiratory illnesses.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When done correctly, this is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of infections. Download the hand washing poster here
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Put the used tissue into a wastebasket and clean your hands. Cough and sneeze into your arm or sleeve (not your hand) if you do not have a tissue available.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
• Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected.

Click here for recommendations.

The Bookstore has a stock of pocket-size hand sanitizer available. Hand sanitizers should have 70% or higher ethyl or isopropyl alcohol in order to be effective.

The H1N1 flu virus can live outside the body on hard surfaces, such as stainless steel and plastic, for 24-28 hours and on soft surfaces, such as cloth, paper and tissues for less than eight to 12 hours; however, it can only infect a person for up to two to eight hours after being deposited on hard surface, and for up to a few minutes after being deposited on soft surfaces.

Continue to follow directions posted around campus for proper handwashing and sanitation and upcoming vaccination clinics to be held at the University of Calgary. Visit the U of C’s H1N1 website for university-related updates: www.ucalgary.ca/emergencyplan/influenzaH1N1.
Visit Alberta Health Services for the most up-to-date information (www.albertahealthservices.ca).

We have 4 videoconference rooms on the 5th floor of the Bio Sciences building which can be used by faculty and staff in lieu of travel. People can either book these rooms through Joanne Carruthers (carruthe [at] ucalgary [dot] ca) or Dave Wood (woodd [at] ucalgary [dot] ca). They also support ElluminateLive on campus which can be used to connect at a distance where no videoconference facilities are available.