H1N1 Novel Influenza Information - Ripon College

SOURCE: RIPON COLLEGE - September 17, 2009

To the Ripon College Community,
This memorandum is to update you on the campus’s interventions regarding the H1N1 flu virus (also known as swine flu).

Ripon College has had emergency plans in place to address wide-ranging campus issues and health concerns for many years. These preparedness efforts have been extended in order to respond to the H1N1 influenza. The following information has been provided to our campus thus far:

The H1N1 influenza has continued to cause illness in Fond du Lac County over the summer months, which is highly unusual. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that novel H1N1 influenza and seasonal influenza will be circulating this fall and is anticipating an upsurge in people with influenza-like illness. It is unpredictable how severe H1N1 or seasonal influenza will be. Fortunately, the majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flu. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults. High risk groups include pregnant women and people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years. Most college students are at risk for infection.

Classes and Activities
Classes and other activities will continue as scheduled this semester. Our campus Emergency Operations Team will monitor developments, working with the Fond du Lac County Public Health team, and make recommendations regarding changes in campus activities on the basis of any flu outbreak. The Dean of Faculty, after consulting appropriate parties, will make decisions regarding the cancellation or suspension of classes. Any decisions will be communicated broadly to faculty, students and staff through email and other communications.

Public Health Precautions
It is strongly recommended that all faculty, staff, and students take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:

•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue away after single use.
•If tissues are unavailable cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow.
•Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.
•Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.
•Frequently touched surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis.
•Practice social distancing; avoid people with influenza-like illness.
•Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
•Get the seasonal influenza vaccine.
•Get the H1N1 influenza vaccine when it is recommended.
Treatment and Response
The symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to the regular seasonal influenza and include fever (over 100 degrees) and cough and sore throat and can also include headache, chills, fatigue and body aches. The majority of individuals who contract a flu virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with an influenza like illness should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent students from returning to class.

It is important that the spread of disease is limited as much as possible. Students who exhibit symptoms of a flu like illness that live within 250 miles of campus are expected to leave campus and return home until they are free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. Accommodations will be made available to students from further away. The Dean of Students office will be working closely with faculty, housing and dining staff to meet the needs of students if they become ill.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or campus health services to see if an antiviral medication is needed.

Medication and Vaccinations
Generally, Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition (as listed above, under Treatment and Response), or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure—and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.

Both the seasonal influenza and the H1N1 vaccines are recommended for ALL students.

•Seasonal Flu Vaccine: This vaccine is currently available at Health Services on campus. The cost is $25.00 and students can pay with cash, check or charge this to their student account.
•Novel H1N1 Vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when this vaccine will be given.
Additional Information
More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following websites:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov

All members of the Ripon College community are strongly encouraged to take the standard precautions adopted during the flu season and to play an active role in our public health prevention efforts. Although the spread of this virus can’t be eliminated, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and overall impact.