A H1N1 info

With the onset of the cold season, the new A H1N1 virus, more commonly called 'swine flu', may spread and infect many people also in our Country. Faced with this prospect, public authorities have issued a set of emergency guidelines.  In line with its sister institutions in Switzerland, USI, supporting the government's efforts, has now adopted specific information and organisation measures.

The example of countries that have already been hit tells us that the symptoms of the A H1N1 virus are similar to those of the common seasonal flu. Not only, but the new A H1N1 strain appears to be less aggressive than the seasonal one. Most people who caught it recovered without taking any antiviral drugs. We may therefore safely assume that the majority will get away quite lightly.  More caution is order in the case of groups and persons at risk, namely: people with long-term conditions (such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney diseases, etc.), patients with genetic or acquired immunodeficiency or drug-induced suppressed immune systems; pregnant women, and children under the age of two.

The Swiss health authorities' policy consists in stemming the spread of the strain, to slow the advance of the pandemic. If this strategy is to succeed, individuals need to act responsibly and ensure that they do all they can to protect themselves and others.

It is all the more imperative that timely measures are implemented in the crowded spaces of a University campus. We kindly ask you, therefore, to acquaint yourself with the guidelines and recommendations issued by the Federal Office of Public Health (http://www.pandemia.ch/en-us/home.html e http://www.bag.admin.ch/pandemie/wissen/index.html?lang=it#) and by the Canton's Medical Officer (www.ti.ch/influenza). The Government has also set up a free phone line: 031 322 21 00.

In particular, we urge you please to stay at home as soon as you come down with any influenza symptoms and wait at least one day after the temperature has subsided before you resume your normal activities at USI.

USI has appointed a special task force which liaises with the public health authorities and monitors the situation as it evolves and is responsible for taking the appropriate emergency decisions required. The academic community will be kept informed promptly, by email and through this web site.

Besides boosting the hygiene guidelines for the cleaning personnel, as advised by the Canton's Medical Officer to all public schools, USI will adopt additional measures to help reduce the transmission of the strain. For instance, all computer rooms will be equipped with a dispenser of disinfectant with which to thoroughly clean all PC keyboards and pads.  

In the next few weeks, the University will set up two information points 'A H1N1', one on the Lugano Campus and the second at the Academy of Architecture, Mendrisio. Anyone suffering from flu symptoms will be able to report to the above-mentioned information point, where they will be able to take their temperature, collect a hygiene face mask before going home, and receive a list of doctors to contact.