Unity students in the lab

August 25, 2009

This is the first of what we anticipate will be a series of communications as we all deal with the H1N1 ("swine flu") outbreak in the United States and internationally.

Currently there are no cases of H1N1 at Unity College.  The Unity College Pandemic Flu Committee is preparing for the likely possibility that H1N1 will appear on this campus this fall. The committee is finalizing a plan that will be available for viewing on our website soon. The committee is working closely with state and federal officials to outline steps regarding educating the college community about the flu, preventing the spread of the illness, managing those who become ill, all while continuing to deliver education to our dedicated students.

Information for students and families

At this time, classes and activities are continuing as scheduled. Students who have a fever of 100.0 or greater and a sore throat or cough are being asked to stay home until 24 hours after the fever subsides without the use of fever-reducing over-the-counter medications (i.e. Tylenol, ibuprofen, most cough and cold medicines.) Faculty are aware of this and will not penalize these students for arriving late to campus due to illness. It is important that you notify the Registrar's Office if you will be out at the beginning of the semester due to flu. You can contact the Registrar via phone or email (ext 244, hein@unity.edu). You will need to provide the following information: your name, the date you expect to return to campus (we realize this may change) and a home phone number where you can be reached for confirmation . 

While it is not decided at this time, it is likely that students who become ill, during the semester, with flu-like symptoms (fever of 100.0 or great and cough or sore throat) will be sent home to recuperate until 24 hours after the fever has subsided. Faculty are currently working on plans that will allow students to continue their education from home.

Our concern is for the health and safety of the students, and our goal would be to get students home before there is widespread infection on campus. We therefore ask that students and families make a specific plan now for leaving campus.  If the student is not able to get home on short notice, please identify relatives or friends with whom the student will stay. If none of these are an option for certain students, we will provide an isolation area for those students and offer support--flu kits and delivered meals. 

Information for faculty and staff members

Faculty and staff, who are experiencing flu symptoms (fever of 100.0 or greater and cough or sore throat) or have a family member at home with confirmed H1N1, should stay home from work, contact their physician, and follow the CDC Guidelines at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm.  Staff members are asked to contact their immediate supervisor prior to the start of their workday to inform them of their absence.

Public health officials are warning that the disease will continue to spread. H1N1 flu is thought to spread in the same manner as seasonal flu. Common precautions such as regular hand-washing and avoiding touching your nose, eyes, or mouth, should be practiced. The best sources of information come from the CDC and may be found at its Web site at www.cdc.gov.

Additional information

The recent cases of H1N1 provide an opportunity to remind us all of the things we can do to prevent illness and 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 and wash your hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also are effective.
  • Avoid spreading viruses by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Students: What to do if you feel ill

If you feel ill with flu-like symptoms, students should call the Health Center at 207-948-3131 ext 250.  Do not go to class or work until you have been cleared to do so.

Treatment 
  • Treatment consists of rest, fluids, and antiviral medications.
  • Care providers should assess and treat any additional complications caused by the flu.
After you have been exposed to someone with H1N1 or flu-like symptoms:
  • Closely monitor your health for seven days.
  • If you become ill with fever and other symptoms of flu like cough and sore throat and possibly vomiting and diarrhea during this period, DO NOT GO TO CLASS or to common areas (Cafeteria or Student Activities Center) and call the Health Center or your primary care provider for an appointment. 
  • When you make the appointment, tell your provider's office the following:  your symptoms, and if you have had close contact with a person infected with H1N1. During the appointment, your health care provider will try to determine if you have the flu or another illness and if antiviral medications are necessary. Remember, if you have the flu, you may be asked to return home to recuperate. You can return to campus 24 hours after the fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medications. 

For more detailed information