Flu Update for October 27, 2009

We have seen a few additional cases of flu recently especially after the return from the fall break for students in the College of Arts and Sciences.  In addition to a handful of cases that have been seen in the Health Center, we are hearing about a few students who believe that they have or had the flu and were treated at home.

We want to remind everyone that all illnesses with flu-like symptoms should be dealt with cautiously to minimize the spread of the virus to others.  Although all flu is not H1N1, we recommend treating all flu like it is.   Testing for H1N1 usually takes longer than the duration of the disease, so waiting for test results before acting to reduce spread, causes additional contagion.  You will find a FLU PROTOCOL here: http://www.eastern.edu/campus/studev/pdf/Protocol%20for%20Flu%20or%20suspected%20Flu%2010-26-09.pdf

H1N1 vaccinations are behind schedule in production and the supply is still anticipated to be much smaller than the need. EU has requested enough doses for all community members officially and through the proper channels, but will likely receive only a small fraction of the requested number.  When and if we get the vaccinations we will offer them to EU community members who are considered “eligible” for vaccinations according to the CDC.  We suspect that students up to 25 years of age with documented asthma, lung disease or compromised immune systems will be the first to be given the vaccination and then others under 25 years of age.   This will need to be confirmed by the CDC and could change at any time.  More information on vaccinations will be given to the community as soon as we have it.

PLEASE NOTE: EVERYONE WISHING TO GET VACCINATED FOR H1N1 SHOULD CONTACT THEIR PERSONAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER NOW TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET THE VACCINATION THROUGH THAT OFFICE AND GET ON THE NOTIFICATION/WAIT LIST FOR VACCINATION.  MANY HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS ARE TAKING WAITING LISTS FOR THE VACCINATION AND WILL GIVE THEM TO PATIENTS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.

We also recommend that everyone take responsibility to educate themselves as much as possible concerning the disease and the vaccination and then make their own best decision as to be vaccinated or not.     Links to good information are listed in previous updates.

Eastern University H1N1 Update for October 1, 2009

The case of Influenza A on the St. Davids campus mentioned in an earlier post was diagnosed as H1N1 well after the person had fully recovered and was no longer contagious.  No associates of this person became ill. Two parents have reported that their students from the St. Davids campus were ill and went home to recuperate. One was tested for H1N1 and does not have it, the other was not tested.

As previously stated, we are treating all cases of the flu as if they are highly contagious and might be H1N1 and we hope you will do that too.  By the time H1N1 tests are returned from laboratories, the virus has already been spread if personal hygiene habits were/are not practiced by all.  H1N1 testing is considered optional in the CDC recommendations and many health care providers are no longer testing for H1N1.

Each classroom on the St. Davids campus and the Palmer Seminary campus is in the process of being supplied with disinfectant hand sanitizer.  The St. Davids campus also will have disinfectant wipes installed in most classrooms.  Note that we cannot guarantee the immediate replenishing of these products nor that they stay in the rooms (please leave them there) and our resources are limited, so we recommend that all community members carry wipes and gel with them at all times to be extra safe.  You can reduce your chances of getting sick by creating a body that is not a good host for germs.  We asked that Dr. Chris Jackson, professor of Nursing, write an article for us on this. You can read it here: http://www.eastern.edu/centers/health_center/index.html

September 10, 2009

The Eastern University St. Davids campus as of today has one confirmed case of Influenza A which we are treating as we would a confirmed case of H1N1. 

This is why we are doing that: after a case is confirmed as Influenza A, further testing is required to confirm (or not) H1N1.  The time it takes to get the test results back is likely to exceed the duration of the disease as well as the communicability of the disease.   Therefore we are treating all people with flu symptoms (see earlier updates) and all confirmed cases of Influenza A as though they are H1N1 cases.  We ask that you do the same.  If you experience ANY flu symptoms, see your health care provider but also do everything you can to NOT spread the disease to others.   For additional information on how to NOT spread the flu as well as how to reduce your chances of catching the flu scroll back to previous H1N1 updates and go the CDC website for the latest information available on the disease.

September 1, 2009

The Flu Season has started! All of us have been hearing about the flu including H1N1 (swine flu) and the threat it poses to communities like ours that have gatherings where people are in close proximity to each other on a regular basis (classrooms, meetings, housing and so on). Several colleges in the area and throughout the country have already experienced larger than normal numbers of illness and absence due to the flu.  Most of these "outbreaks" can be traced to gatherings of people where one person came to the gathering with flu-like symptoms. The CDC advises each person who participates in a community to take individual responsibility for reducing their chances of both contracting the flu themselves and spreading the flu to others. Please read and print out the information located here and share it with others.

What about vaccinations? Eastern University has requested a supply of the H1N1 vaccine and we hope that we will be able to secure the number of sets of dosages that we feel we need.  Since the production of the vaccine is behind schedule and the number of available dosages is also lower than originally predicted, we may or may not be able to offer the vaccine. If we do get some doses, we will need to offer the vaccine to the College of Arts and Sciences resident students first, then to other students, and then to employees until the supply is exhausted.  It is highly recommended that ALL community members (including students, especially those with compromised immune systems or asthma) contact their personal health care provider and request information as to how to receive the vaccine.

Please call Student Development at 610.341.5822 if you have questions. Bettie Ann Brigham, Vice President for Student Development

Janet Topper, Director, Student Health Services

With the arrival of the H1N1 virus, new concerns about flu may bring challenges to student communities like those of the Eastern University schools: Palmer Seminary, Esperanza College, Campolo College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CCGPS) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has predicted that the flu season this year might differ significantly from the usual flu season in that it may begin earlier, last longer, affect more people and cause more severe symptoms.

How can I avoid the flu and keep others from contracting it from me? 

It is impossible for an institution to protect its members from the spread of disease.  Isolation from disease is impossible in community settings.  Therefore, Eastern University wants all community members at all schools to be aware of and practice personal prevention methods to reduce the chances of contracting the flu and to minimize the spread of the illness to others.  All community members should follow these guidelines to minimize the spread of illness:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective when washing is not convenient.
• Practice respiratory etiquette. The main way flu spreads is from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it’s important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not your hands.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• If you are sick, isolate yourself. Stay home or go home. Avoid public transportation if you travel home.  Stay in your place of residence (house/room) for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever without fever-reducing medications.
• If your roommate/housemate is sick and you are not feeling any symptoms, stay at least 6 feet apart at all times and if you can, bunk  elsewhere until your roommate is well.  
• If you are taking care of an ill person, practice all personal hygiene recommendations scrupulously. 
• Talk to your health care provider about whether you should be vaccinated. For more information on vaccinations go to: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.
• See a doctor if your symptoms become severe.  Resident students at St. Davids and CAS commuters may use the Health Center on the St. Davids campus.  All others should see their personal physician or go to a clinic. 
• If you know you have a compromised immune system or a condition that will become worse if you contract the flu, use your best judgment as to when you should stay away from others. 
• Consider carrying anti-bacterial gel and wipes with you to decontaminate surfaces before touching them and to clean hands when washing is not possible.
• Consider wearing a mask if you have a compromised immune system.  

By practicing these steps, you can reduce your chances of getting sick with the flu and help keep others from getting sick from the flu, too.

We urge students, faculty, and staff at all Eastern University schools, campuses and sites to take personal responsibility to learn about the flu, new developments regarding the flu, and to help slow the spread of the flu virus within their communities. 

FAQs Regarding the Flu

How do I know if I have the flu?
Symptoms of flu always include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.

How do I recognize a fever or signs of a fever?
A fever is a temperature that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when taken with a thermometer. Possible signs of fever include feeling very warm, a flushed appearance, or sweating or shivering.

How do I know if someone has 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu?
It will be very hard to tell if someone who is sick has 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. At this time, public health officials and medical authorities are not recommending laboratory tests for diagnosis. Symptoms of all flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.  H1N1 can be a more severe flu for most people, but some will have moderate symptoms.   

What do I do if I think I have the flu?
Anyone who has any of the symptoms of flu-like illness should stay home and not go to work or class.  You should not go to gatherings where other people are until you have been without fever or fever symptoms for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. 

How do I know if I have a fever if I do not have a thermometer?
A fever is a temperature that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when taken with a thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer, assume you have a fever if you feel very warm, have a flushed facial appearance, or if you are sweating or shivering in an area where the ambient temperature is within normal range.

What medications will help me feel better?
If you are not allergic, fever-reducing medications that contain acetamenophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin) are recommended. Each individual must decide what is appropriate for them.  These medicines help bring the fever down and relieve pain.  Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to or taken by anyone younger than 18 years of age; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.

What to do about work and class absences caused by the flu?
Your school, program or work location will maintain the usual absence policies for this period.  SAVE YOUR SICK DAYS AND ABSENSES FOR ILLNESS!   Should you miss more than the acceptable number of days due to the flu, speak with your supervisor or instructor. 

More information is available at the CDC Web site.  Go to: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

Information compiled by Bettie Ann Brigham, Vice President for Student Development

Direct questions to her at 610.341.5822.