Dear Students and Parents,
As H1N1 influenza A continues to circulate worldwide, health officials expect cases to increase in the United States, especially since influenza transmission typically spreads more rapidly during the fall and winter. Therefore, it will be likely that our University community and our students will be affected. Since influenza spreads quickly, University students may be exposed to someone with H1N1 flu, either on or off campus, and contract the illness.
The University and the Division of Student Affairs has undertaken an extensive planning process to prepare for possible cases of both seasonal influenza and the novel H1N1 virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new recommendations about H1N1 influenza prevention and guidelines for when to stay home from work or school.
Based on that information, the University has developed new recommendations for when University should stay home from work or school. These recommendations supersede the guidance provided to students by the University on June 30, 2009.
Students
- Students who are ill before arriving to campus: Delay arrival to campus until at least 24 hours after the student’s fever resolves without the use of fever reducing medications (e.g. Tylenol or ibuprofen).
- Students diagnosed with, or suspected to have influenza: If possible, students should go home to recover. Students should not attend class or visit the dining hall. Avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after their fever resolves without the use of fever reducing medications (e.g. Tylenol or ibuprofen).
If students cannot go home, they should wear a surgical mask while in common areas like bathrooms, the common areas of a residence hall, or when in a room with an unaffected individual.
- University students who are well but have a family member or roommate with H1N1 flu: Can attend classes or visit the dining hall as usual. They should monitor their health every day. If they become ill, they should go home to recover.
- Students who are ill with fever and respiratory symptoms: Should call the Campus Health Services main appointment number at 966-2281 to schedule an appointment or for advice and instruction. If students with these symptoms leave their residence hall or home to seek medical care or other necessities, they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. A tissue, other covering (e.g. shirt sleeve) or a surgical mask can be used to cover the cough or sneeze.
- Students should bring the following supplies with them to campus: digital thermometer, bottled water and sports drinks, soups or microwaveable meals (if you have a microwave), tissues, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer.
- Missed classes: The Division of Student Affairs is working with Academic Affairs to address issues surrounding class absences. More specific advice will follow but as a minimum you should notify the Office of the Dean of Students at 919-966-4042 and e-mail your instructors to notify them of your absence.
Students should use the resources posted on the Campus Health Services Web site, campushealth.unc.edu, to find information about symptoms and what to do to prevent contracting the virus. Key prevention strategies include vaccination against seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus, as well as careful hand washing techniques and respiratory hygiene.
Campus Health Services has planned a series of seasonal influenza immunization clinics throughout the fall semester. We will let you know when you can receive the vaccine for seasonal flu and when the vaccine for H1N1 becomes available. Campus Health Services will be reaching out to those individuals who may be at higher risk for complications of influenza -as identified by health records- but to be sure, we ask that all students who believe they have such risk factors to identify themselves to Campus Health providers once they arrive on campus. We also encourage students to consult with their personal physician for additional guidance.
CDC Tips to Fight H1N1 Flu
Although H1N1 flu has proven to be relatively mild and responsive to anti-viral drugs the CDC recommends that everyone take the following actions to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
The University's Department of Environment, Health and Safety, www.ehs.unc.edu/healthy/h1n1.shtml, is leading Carolina's response to the H1N1 flu in collaboration with the UNC Health Care System, UNC General Administration, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Orange County Department of Public Health.
Information about H1N1 is updated as conditions warrant on Alert Carolina, alertcarolina.unc.edu, and on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
We look forward to a productive and healthy new semester together.
Sincerely,
Campus Health Services
Division of Student Affairs
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