H1N1 (Swine Flu) update for the campus community
To: The UMass Dartmouth Community
From: H1N1 Committee
Date: Oct. 29, 2009
Re: Update H1N1 (Swine Flu) and Seasonal Influenza
The H1N1 Committee would like to commend the effort that students, staff and faculty are making toward managing the threat of H1N1 and the seasonal flu on our campus. The cooperation and vigilance of people caring for each other has been exemplary.
In recent days, we have seen an increase in the number of students walking into the Health Center and reporting flu-like symptoms. This coincides with increases in reported cases throughout the region. With this information in mind, and as the normal flu season approaches we want to remind students, staff and faculty that we need to work together in order to minimize the spread of illness on campus.
This update provides information that will help us accomplish that goal.
IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE THE FLU.........................
The symptoms of the flu are as follows: a fever of 100.4 or above, coughing, sore throat, body aches. To help determine whether you may have the flu, please visit
http://healthcenter.mwsu.edu/flu-page/ and take our survey which will offer appropriate advice based on your answers.
If you believe you have the flu, you should make arrangements to go home if possible. This will help protect your roommates and classmates from contracting the illness. If you are unable to go home, please contact Health Services at X8982 to make other arrangements. You should stay out of class and away from roommates for at least 24 hours after your fever has fallen below 100 degrees without the aid of fever-reducing medication.
SEASONAL AND H1N1 FLU VACCINE
The peak range of time for seasonal influenza is usually December through February. We will be distributing the seasonal flu vaccine on Nov. 10, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the campus center. The cost is $30 but may be covered by insurance.
We are awaiting information from state public health officials concerning the availability of H1N1 vaccines.
ABSENTEEISM MONITORING AND REPORTING
It is critical that we understand the impact of flu-like illness on the operation of the campus. Therefore, we are asking all managers to report unusual numbers of absent employees by sending an email to publicsafety@umassd.edu.
EXAMPLE: Email Subject line: Office of Public Affairs absentee -- 3 of 10.
Likewise, we are asking all faculty members to report unusual numbers of absent students by section by sending an email to publicsafety@umassd.edu.
EXAMPLE: Email Subject line: ENG101-3 -- 8 of 28
Faculty, meanwhile, are being asked to be flexible regarding make-up exams and assignments.
PREVENTION
Please continue your good health practices to help our community remain as healthy as possible.
* Practice good hygiene by washing hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an effective alternative. Dispensers have been placed at strategic locations around campus.
* Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If there isn't a tissue available, cough or sneeze into an elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to minimize the spread of germs.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Faculty committee recommendations concerning H1N1
http://www.umassd.edu/provost/h1n1preparations.cfm
H1N1 update web page
http://www.umassd.edu/publicaffairs/H1N1.cfm
There will be a special link to the H1N1 update page on the campus home page (www.umassd.edu) throughout the flu season.
Best wishes for your good health!
Date: 29-10-2009
