H1N1 Flu Update

September 18, 2009 |

Dear Members of the Goucher Community,

Last Friday I sent you an update about the H1N1 flu virus. At that time, Goucher had a handful of students who had been diagnosed with influenza-like illness. Not surprisingly, that number has increased with each day. In the past two days, approximately 35 more students and two faculty members have presented with flu-like symptoms, and one student with a pre-existing condition was briefly hospitalized. That student has since returned to campus and is recovering well.

One positive aspect of the H1N1 flu virus is that the symptoms, while severe in some cases, do not last long. Most students have been very sick for one or two days, and then they begin to improve. Total recovery is relatively quick, but we are asking students to re-contact the Student Health Center at 410-337-6050 if their symptoms have not improved in five days. Students with obvious flu-like symptoms who attend class will likely be asked to return to their residence hall rooms or homes off campus. Faculty and staff members who have flu-like symptoms are asked to stay home until they have been free of fever for 24 hours.

Consistent preventive measures are the best way to decrease the spread of the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hand.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Visit www.goucher.edu/H1N1 to learn what symptoms to look for, what to do if you get the flu, how to cope with anxiety about getting the flu, and the latest CDC updates.
• The vaccine for the H1N1 virus is scheduled to be shipped beginning at the end of October. We have made sure that Goucher is on the list of colleges and universities that will receive a supply. In the meantime, we had a clinic yesterday for seasonal flu shots, not H1N1, and about 100 students received the vaccine. We will have another seasonal flu shot clinic for students, and also for faculty and staff, on October 5. Details about the faculty and staff clinic will be forthcoming. It is important for all members of the community to have protection against seasonal flu.

Goucher’s Pandemic Flu Task Force continues to meet on a weekly basis to assess the current situation and make sure we are implementing best practices at all levels. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. I will continue to keep you updated on further developments.

Sincerely,

Sanford J. Ungar

President