After the first diagnosis of a case of H1N1 (swine flu) on 13 October 2009 in a school on East Campus, the total number of H1N1 cases at Bilkent University, as of 23 October 2009, was 32. These patients have been treated in their homes and have all recovered completely. As all the patients' symptoms were similar to a mild seasonal flu, there has been no need of hospitalization.
All Bilkent Staff and Students should keep the following points in mind:
- H1N1 has similar symptoms to seasonal flu, but it spreads more quickly.
- The risk of infection is highest one day before and up to seven days after symptoms appear.
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Those with H1N1 should not take just any medicines randomly, only those prescribed by a doctor.
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In case of illness, one should increase fluid intake, maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of rest.
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Patients and their families should refrain from close contact with others, should isolate themselves until all symptoms disappear, and should take precautions to avoid infecting others.
- Closed areas should be ventilated frequently.
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The virus is spread mainly through hand contact and respiratory channels; therefore, hands should be washed thoroughly and regularly with liquid soap or anti-bacterial hand sanitizers. Mouth and nose should be covered with a paper tissue when sneezing or coughing. Tissues should not be used more than once and should immediately be thrown into the garbage. Wearing a facemask could be an effective method for preventing infection through respiratory channels.
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One should refrain from shaking hands or kissing in order to minimize the risk of infection.
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In places such as airplanes, where natural air ventilation is not possible and ventilation is provided by air-conditioners, additional precautions should be taken for personal hygiene and protection, including the wearing of a facemask.
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When the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, people in high risk groups and those who wish, will be able to get vaccinated as instructed by the Ministry of Health.
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Detailed information about H1N1 is available on our website and at www.grip.saglik.gov.tr.
The University has taken the following measures:
Bilkent personnel who work in cleaning services, transportation and cafeterias are being given the necessary training, and are being regularly inspected to ensure that they are following the hygiene rules. Stricter hygienic precautions are being taken throughout the University, such as using liquid soap and paper towels, cleaning door handles, disinfecting stair railings/banisters and wet floors, etc.
So far, there has been no reported case of H1N1 among University students who have come to our Health Centers. Nevertheless, our Health Center staff has met with the authorities of Ankara Provincial Health Directorate to discuss measures to be taken in case of infection, and the following principles have been agreed upon in case any Bilkent student, or academic and administrative employee gets infected with H1N1.
Those students or employees who show some of the H1N1 symptoms (high fever, cough, running nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, pain in joints or diarrhea) while outside the University, should not come to the University, but should go to a doctor or hospital in order to obtain a sick report and should remain at home for at least 24 hours until after the symptoms have disappeared. Academic and administrative employees should also inform their department chair or administrative supervisor.
Those students or employees who show some of the symptoms listed above while at the University, should immediately go to the Health Center. If the Health Center issues a sick report, they should not attend classes or go to work.
Even though the flu may be of a mild nature, infected students or employees should minimize their contact with other Bilkent students or employees due to the very rapid spread of infection.
Infected students whose homes are in Ankara will be sent home. Those students whose residences are outside Ankara and who are not able to go home, will be kept in a separate dormitory, allocated by the Dormitories Administration, until their symptoms subside.
It is of the utmost importance for everyone to follow these measures and fully cooperate with the University management during this critical period. We trust that the precautions listed above will not be abused in any way. We wish you health.
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