The PLU Pandemic Preparedness and Response group has been carefully monitoring H1N1 Influenza reports from the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Tacoma-Pierce Health Department (TPCHD).
It now appears that the 2009-10 influenza season may pose an unusually high threat to the health of the nation, including members of the Pacific Lutheran University community. H1N1 Influenza (also known as swine flu) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization because it has appeared in so many countries. However, so far the current strain of H1N1 is not more severe than the common flu. But H1N1 is likely to infect more people than the common flu because it is a new strain against which few people have immunity.
PLU is responding to this health threat by following the guidance of health authorities, including the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. They recommend that we help limit the spread of the flu to reduce the number of people who become seriously ill and to help minimize educational and social disruption.
There are no plans at present to implement pandemic emergency policies such as those regarding canceling classes and activities or closing the university.
Here is what you can do to help limit the spread of the flu:
IF YOU HAVE A FLU-LIKE ILLNESS
1. Stay away from classes and the workplace and limit your interactions with others if you have these symptoms:
• Fever, cough, body aches, headache, chills, sore throat, fatigue, loss of appetite, possible diarrhea and vomiting
2. If you have a medical condition that puts you at high-risk for flu complications or if you develop severe symptoms such as increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing, promptly seek medical attention.
3. If you do not have such a condition and you do not have severe symptoms, you do not need to seek medial treatment. Instead, practice self-isolation. Do not visit the Health Center or the office of another health care provider. Instead manage the illness at home or in your residence hall.
• Get plenty of rest
• Drink clear fluids
• Treat a fever with ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Concerns may be directed to the Health Center (253-535-7337) or other health care providers by telephone.
4. Remain home or in your residence hall room until 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medications). Residence hall students who can or wish to do so may wish to recover at a friend’s or a family member’s home. Students staying on campus may wish to establish a “flu buddy,” providing assistance with care and meals for each other. Visit the Dining and Culinary Services Web site (www.plu.edu/~dining) for information on sick meal ordering.
PROTECT AGAINST THE FLU
1. One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated against the flu. Vaccines for annual seasonal influenza may be available now. Students should call the Health Center for an appointment. Faculty and staff should contact their health care provider. Vaccines for H1N1 are not yet available.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use gels and wipes.
3. Control sneezes by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or a shirt sleeve.
4. Avoid unnecessary physical contact with others.
5. Do not share food, drink or utensils.
6. Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces in your personal environment. The university will be doing the same in public places. However, because the flu is not a gastrointestinal viral infection, intensive cleaning for food facilities (beyond normal cleaning) is not needed.
POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Related policies and procedures may be found in standard university policy documents available on Web sites such as those of the provost, student life and human resources. If modifications to these policies are made due to the severity of the flu, the changes will be communicated to community members affected. Any special policies for groups such as study-away or student-teaching will be sent to those affected.
The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department may recommend additional strategies to help protect the campus community if global, national, or regional assessments indicate that flu is causing more severe disease. Notice of such changes will be promptly sent to the campus community.
Thank you for your efforts to keep all members of the campus community in good health. Although we can’t eliminate the spread of this virus, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and make it less severe.