H1N1 Update - October 14, 2009

Dear Students,

We have now had almost two months of experience in trying to manage the health care, housing and other issues concerning the H1N1 flu. To date, there have been 68 confirmed cases of Type A flu, with another 150 students seeking medical help for flu-like symptoms. As you know, students who have tested positive for Type A flu have been sent back to their room to self-isolate if they are in a single, or the Martin Court lounges if they share a room.

In anticipation of the on-set of the seasonal flu coupled with the H1N1 virus, and in response to suggestions from students, we are readying a shift in protocol. We anticipate that we could be dealing with some variation of the flu all year and we need to move to a longer-term approach. These changes balance the need for a comfortable space for students to get well with a need to do all we can to stop the spread.

Effective upon your return from fall break, we will do the following:

1. Students who have been diagnosed with the flu will be allowed to stay in their room under self-isolation. In doing so, you will be asked to wear a mask when going outside the room, and to limit your movements on the hall while contagious. You are also not to go to class during the period of time you are contagious. (Masks can be found in every First Aid kit on your hall or with your Building Managers if you are in Martin Court.)
2. If your roommate has the flu, you are encouraged to find another place to stay for the few days it takes for your roommate to get well. If you do not have a space, we have created temporary lounges for beds as the need requires. Please check with RLO staff if you have this need.
3. In anticipation of an "active" flu season, you are encouraged to identify a "flu buddy" now to rely upon for meals and other needs if you become sick. We will continue to provide meals to those students who request through the Commons to be picked up and delivered by your flu buddy.

Current indications are that the H1N1 vaccine should arrive shortly after fall break. We will make the shots available to all students who want it as quickly as we can. We should also have a limited supply of the seasonal flu vaccine available later this month as well.

This has not been an easy beginning of a semester for many of you who have had the flu. We are doing all we can to stop the spread of the H1N1 virus on campus. It has meant some discomfort for those affected as we continue to seek ways to keep our campus as healthy as possible. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the cooperation of students, Health Center staff, other staff, and faculty; we will get through this together.

Finally, we hope these changes will encourage all students who have flu-like symptoms to seek medical help, either from our Student Health Center or elsewhere, for your health and the continued good health of our community.

Tom Shandley, Vice President for Student Life
and Dean of Students