Protecting Yourself from Pandemic Influenza

The flu vaccine available for the ordinary flu will not protect you from a pandemic influenza virus. It will protect you from getting seasonal flu, which could weaken your immune system or resistance to a pandemic influenza.

• Faculty and staff enrolled in UC-sponsored health plans: Contact your individual health care provider for availability and instructions on getting a flu shot.
• UCSD Student Health Service: See Immunizations at Student Health Services for information.
• Flu Clinic Locator: Find a flu shot clinic by ZIP code, courtesy of the American Lung Association.

Ordinary, seasonal flu and a pandemic flu are spread in the same way, mainly by coughing and sneezing. Touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes is a common means of transmission.

• Practice hand hygiene, the best way to prevent the transmission of infection, including influenza:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water.
  • Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy at work, home, and in the car for situations where soap and water aren't available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Dispose of the tissue in the garbage, and then clean your hands by washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Print and post in your workplace this Cover Your Cough poster (PDF).
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home if you are sick.

To stay healthy during flu season and keep your immune system strong:

• Get plenty of sleep.
• Be physically active.
• Manage your stress.
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

People have no immunity to a new influenza virus, so widespread serious illness may disrupt normal social and economic activities. If pandemic influenza arrives in California or San Diego County, public health officials will consider measures to prevent the virus from spreading, such as temporarily closing schools or discouraging public gatherings.

Limit risk to yourself and your family if pandemic influenza cases are reported in our county or state:

• Avoid non-essential travel and large crowds.
• Follow instructions issued by public health officials.

If you sponsor a gathering during a pandemic:

• Clean your facility thoroughly with normal cleaning products, and follow these procedures:
  • Use clean water, detergent, and a strong mechanical action (such as scrubbing).
  • Pay special attention to frequently touched and horizontal surfaces. Horizontal surfaces are important because when we cough or sneeze, large droplets can fall onto them.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions if using a disinfectant.
• Promote hand hygiene and cough etiquette (see Stop the spread of germs above).
  • Print, post, or distribute this Cover Your Cough poster (PDF).
• Space individuals at least 3 feet apart during group gatherings. To accomplish this:
  • Increase the number of gatherings and limit the number of attendees at each event.
  • Use audio/ visual technology to broadcast the presentations to other rooms or buildings, allowing your audience to split into smaller groups.
• Encourage sick people to stay at home.
  • Use technology (such as the Internet or telephone) to communicate with those who are unable to attend either because they are sick or because they must care for the sick.

UCSD's Pandemic/ Epidemic Response Committee (P/ERC), is planning and preparing for the possibility of pandemic disease reaching the UCSD community.

• Read UCSD Pandemic / Epidemic Response Initiative to learn how UCSD will notify the campus community should a public health crisis impact University activities.