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Campus Health Advisory: H1N1 influenza

In response to increasing numbers of H1N1 influenza cases in the United States the University's emergency response team has activated efforts to gather information, including regular contact with local and federal public health authorities, and take appropriate proactive steps for the campus community. Plans put in place over the past several years to address other global outbreaks of infectious diseases, such as SARS and Avian Flu, help to inform Georgetown's approach to the most appropriate responses to the H1N1 virus. This website provides community messages and resources that provide relevant information about the situation for the University community.

Updated September 9, 2009 6:00 p.m.

As we hear news of the prevalence of the H1N1 virus on college campuses throughout the United States we wanted to alert you to the fact that we are beginning to hear from members of our community that are experiencing influenza like illness as well. In the past week approximately 50 students have sought medical advice or evaluation for influenza-like symptoms. We are monitoring these cases carefully, providing support and resources to our community, consulting with federal and local public health officials, and encouraging individuals to take precautions to stay healthy.

Consistent with the pattern of the H1N1 virus, it is likely that we will see a continued increase in those experiencing flu-like symptoms on campus throughout the fall. A campus health advisory is in effect, putting in place measures aimed at reducing the spread of the virus, providing support for those who may become ill, and guiding the ongoing work of our emergency preparedness team.

Medical experts have observed the H1N1 virus to be highly contagious but in the vast majority of cases relatively mild. But just like any flu virus, H1N1 can have serious implications for individuals with underlying health conditions. Symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and in some cases gastrointestinal upset. The Student Health Center’s H1N1 advice line at (202) 784-H1N1 is available to students, faculty and staff who may have questions. Students may seek medical evaluation at the Student Health Center. Faculty and staff should consult their personal physicians.

Students, faculty and staff who have the flu or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, are asked to stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication. Students who are ill must notify their academic dean’s office and faculty members as soon as possible. The Provost’s office is working with faculty leaders and others to develop guidelines for communicating and distributing course materials in electronic form; faculty and staff can expect to get communication about this in the next few days.

It is important to remember that the most important measures to take to avoid the flu include:

  • washing hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze; using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an appropriate alternative;
  • covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and immediately throwing the tissue away in a proper receptacle. As an alternative, cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow.
  • getting vaccinated for the seasonal flu. Seasonal flu shots will be available to students, faculty and staff on campus later this fall.

The university will continue the proactive steps we’ve put in place to limit exposure to both the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. We are maintaining routine campus operations and will notify the community if the situation warrants changes.

For more information about the H1N1 virus, including links to the CDC website and the resources available on campus, visit Georgetown’s emergency preparedness website.

Sincerely,

Todd Olson, Vice President for Student Affairs

James Welsh, MD, MPH, Assistant Vice President for Student Health

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