Campuswide Notice re H1N1 Virus
October 2, 2009
To: Valemont University Students, Faculty and Staff
From: Valemont University Pandemic Influenza Response Team
We want to alert all Valemont University students, faculty and staff that cases of the H1N1 influenza, commonly known as the "swine flu," may appear on campus.
We remind the Valemont community that this H1N1 influenza is NOT a virulent strain of influenza. Its symptoms are relatively mild, less severe than a typical season flu. As of Sept. 3, H1N1 has been reported on dozens of college campuses, and thousands of people have had flu symptoms; there have been no fatalities.
Although it is not virulent, the H1N1 virus is extremely contagious and spreads rapidly through communities, including college campuses.
Should you have concerns about H1N1 we recommend you go to Valemont's student commons website,
www.valemontcommons.com/commons/. The commons will provide a discussion area for you to air your concerns.
Because the H1N1 virus is very contagious, we expect members of the campus community will be infected in the weeks ahead. We ask all members of the Valemont community to take the standard precautions to avoid spread of the flu, and to cooperate in our influenza response efforts.
There are some people in the community who are at higher risk, including people who have existing medical conditions (heart condition, asthma, diabetes, etc.) that could aggravate the flu's severity. If you are an "at-risk" person, you should contact Valemont Health Services or your family health care provider for information and advice.
PrecautionsWe recommend the following precautions:
> Avoid contact with ill persons.
> Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
> Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, then cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder and not into your hands. Throw used tissues in the trash.
> Do not share food, drink, or utensils with others.
If You Have SymptomsSymptoms of the H1N1 influenza include fever (100 degrees F or higher), body aches, running or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
If you have some of these symptoms, stay in your room and contact your Redisdent Advisor, House Master, or Valemont Health Services, or your family health care provider. Do NOT go to the Sanitarium, local emergency room or other clinic; you could infect other members of the community.
Response for Ill PersonsFaculty and staff who are ill should contact their supervisor to report they will not be coming to work. Unless seeking medical care, they should stay home and practice self-isolation.
Valemont University Health Services will be open Saturday and Sunday. Saturday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Sunday hours are 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Those members of the Valemont community experiencing flu-like symptoms are encourage to contact Health Services if they would like to consult with a nurse.
For More InformationThe CDC website,
http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu/qa.htm, is a current and valid source of information.
Students and parents who have questions may contact the Student Life Office or Health Services.
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