Lyndon State College - Novel H1N1 Influenza Update # 2

October 2, 2009

Members of the Lyndon Community:

Four weeks into the fall semester, the level of flu activity on campus has been very low, but we are now starting to get a few reports of flu-like illness from students in the residence halls. We will continue to see more cases of flu-like illness in the coming weeks or months. This is to be expected given the season and not a cause for alarm. Our efforts will continue to be focused primarily on trying to limit the spread of flu-like illness during the course of the fall and winter.

H1N1 Influenza vaccine update:

We are closely monitoring the availability of the H1N1 vaccine through the Vermont Department of Health and will provide information as soon as it is available.

Proper steps to take for self-isolation if you have flu-like symptoms: (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/institutions/guidance/)

• Those with flu-like illness should stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay away from others during this time period even if they are taking antiviral drugs for treatment of the flu.
• Use a phone (voice or text) or e-mail to communicate with friends, family, faculty and staff.
• Residential students with flu-like illness who live relatively close to the campus should return to their home to keep from making others sick.
• Students can establish a "flu buddy scheme" in which students pair up to care for each other if one or the other becomes ill. Meals for residential students can be picked up at the dining hall during regular business hours by calling ahead (802-626-6266).
• If close contact with others cannot be avoided, please wear a surgical mask during the period of contact. Close contact includes things like caring for or living with the ill person. Masks can be picked up at the Health and Counseling Center (Brown House) or Student Life Office (RBC A304) during regular business hours. Residential students should contact the residence hall director on duty if a mask is needed after office hours (802-274-3152).
• Please report flu-like symptoms to the Health & Counseling Center (Brown House). Call 802-626-6440 or visit during regular business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm). Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms*:

o Fever (usually high)
o Headache
o Fatigue (can be extreme)
o Cough
o Sore throat
o Runny or stuffy nose
o Body aches
o Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)

*Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

General information:

Public health agencies are our best source for the most up-to-date facts and advice about:

• How best to protect yourself from H1N1 (swine) flu:

• Practice good hand hygiene (frequent hand washing and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers).
• Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover sneezes and coughs.

• What symptoms to look for:

• Symptoms may include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. Also, runny nose, body ache, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

• What to do if you think you may have the flu:

• Stay at home if you are sick. Students living on campus should try to return to their family home, if possible.
• Minimize social contact. Try to arrange for one person to provide care and meals. Try to maintain isolation until your fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.
• If you believe you are in a high risk category or if you have severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention.
 

• What to do if you think you may have been exposed:

• Utilize hygiene practices noted above.
• People in a high-risk category, such as a pregnant woman or someone with a chronic medical condition, should call their health care provider to determine if an antiviral treatment should be considered.

Recommended web sites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Novel H1N1 Flu
World Health Organization: Pandemic (H1N1) 2009
Vermont Department of Health: Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
Flu.gov: Know what to do about the flu

Campus Updates:

Portal Announcements: http://blackboard.vsc.edu (login required)

E-mail: Please check your LSC e-mail several times on a daily basis

Please look for further announcements in the coming weeks. We will use email, the LSC website and portal, posters, etc. to convey information regarding H1N1 and pandemic planning at LSC. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this very important matter.

Jonathan Davis, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Wayne Hamilton, Dean of Administration
Emergency Response Team Co-Chairs