Keeping Healthy: The H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) and Our Campus

Classes, new friends, and campus life are always exciting, but involve close contact in larger groups, classrooms, or shared living.  Through these social settings can come colds, flu, and other illnesses easily spread through even casual contact.  Students concerned about a health problem, or that of someone else, should contact the Student Affairs Office to share their concerns and learn where to seek help. The school will work closely with you to make sure you keep up with your studies during an illness.

Each year, there is the possibility of known or sometimes unknown strains of influenza moving across America’s campuses.  Most recently, H1N1, also known as Swine Flu, caused concern in many academic institutions.  This could possibly occur again this year.  As always, knowledge can lead to prevention!

The symptoms of H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) are much like any influenza – fever, fatigue, chills, lack of appetite, coughing, and in some, a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Like other flues, these symptoms should typically last just a few days. The College works closely with the Department of Public Health for updates on this flu and its potential impact to our campus. There are important things you can do to help minimize this threat:

1. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, preferably coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your shirt/ blouse at the bend in your elbow.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when possible.
3. Avoid contact with sick people, especially those who may be coughing and sneezing; this flu is easily passed through the droplets sprayed into the air.
4. Most important, avoid social contact if you are ill – stay at home and get in touch with the school if you believe you may be sick. Experts recommend that you should not return to school or work for 24 to 48 hours after your fever has subsided.
5. Be sure to contact your health care provider immediately for medical advice if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
6. Consider the vaccine when it becomes available. 

If you live in College housing and believe you have been exposed or are concerned about another resident, please immediately contact Kevin Martin (302-225-6241). For detailed information, you can visit http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm or http://www.pandemicflu.gov/. If you or someone close to you may have this flu, please do not attend classes or College functions until you have discussed your condition with Bernadette Wimberley, Dean of Students (302-225-6312) or Jane Lysle, Dean of Enrollment Management (302-225-6274). They will work with you to notify your faculty members and help you fulfill your obligations during any illness. In accordance with Federal and State health department recommendations, schools will not close during an outbreak.

With common sense precautions, we can hopefully avoid any serious impact from this illness.

Last Updated:  January 23, 2012