H1N1 Update
September 17, 2009
What are the initial symptoms of the H1N1 flu? (from
Thesymptoms of the H1N1 flu are expected to be similar to the symptoms of the regular seasonal flu infection. They include:
- fever,
- lethargy (lack of energy),
- lack of appetite, and
- coughing.
Some people with novel H1N1 flu have also reported:
- runny nose,
- sore throat,
- nausea,
- vomiting, and
- diarrhea.
Status of the Montgomery College H1N1 Education and Prevention Program
The following actions have been taken as part of the College’s H1N1 Program:
- CDC “Health Alert” has been posted in all campus restrooms
- CDC “Cover Your Cough” posters are being posted throughout the campuses. Copies were also sent to College off-campus locations.
- CDC “Take 3 Steps to Fight the Flu” flyers are being distributed to students through Student Life. Flyers have also been provided to College off-campus locations.
- H1N1 Updates are being announced on the College home Web page, Inside MC, and e-mails to employees and students. Updates are also available on the new College emergency Web page, which can be accessed by clicking emergency on the MC home Web page.
- Touch-free hand gel dispensers and gel have been received. Floor stands for mounting the dispensers are scheduled to arrive September 25.
- Restroom signs providing a contact number for reporting necessary repairs, services, or supplies have been printed and will be installed by staff from the Office of Facilities.
Latest Information
- The H1N1 Situation Report issued on September 11, 2009 from the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security said the following:
Influenza-like illness activity in Maryland is now considered widespread.
Montgomery County is working on the logistics of a H1N1 vaccination program.
- Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States. During the week of August 30–September 5, 2009, a review of the key indictors found that influenza activity increased in the United States compared to the prior weeks. Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators:
Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) are increasing nationally. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness are higher than what is expected during this time of year and have increased over the last four weeks.
Total influenza hospitalization rates for adults and children are similar to or lower than seasonal influenza hospitalization rates depending on age group, but are higher than expected in the summer months.
Almost all of the influenza viruses identified were 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These 2009 H1N1 viruses remain similar to the viruses chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine
- Colleges and universities are seeing students with cases of early flu (Washington Post, September 14, 2009).
- Information on the influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in colleges and universities (American College Health Association) is available at:
Links to Additional Information
One-stop access to U.S. Government H1N1, avian and pandemic flu information
Montgomery County
Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -
Contact Information
For more information about Montgomery College’s planning and response, please contact Bob Wirth by e-mail at or 240-567-4308, or Steve Maloney by e-mail at or 240-567-4292.