Swine Flu ( H1N1) Update
To: Members of the Wellesley College Community
From: Wellesley College Pandemic Preparedness Team
Date: September 25, 2009
Re: H1N1 (Swine) Influenza
This memo serves to update the community regarding presumed H1N1 cases, implementation of new housing procedures, employee illness tracking, and on-campus flu shot clinics.
Presumed Cases
There continues to be a small number of presumed H1N1 among our students.
There are a few new reports of presumed influenza-like illness from employees.
Continued Vigilance
We want to remind community members of health practices that should be followed to help our community remain as healthy as possible.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If there isn’t a tissue available, cough or sneeze into an elbow or shoulder, not into hands. Avoid touching eyes, the nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
Updated Housing Plan Beginning September 28, 2009
- Ill students who are able to travel by car to a home off-campus for the duration of their illness may do so.
- An ill student living in a single remains in her room.
- In most cases, an ill student living in the Quint and Tower Complexes with a roommate(s) who has not had a presumed case, will be relocated to a space designated for students experiencing H1N1 symptoms (which will have separate bathrooms). This applies to triples and suites.
- For the residence halls on the East Side, healthy roommates of ill students will be relocated.
Employee Call Log: 781-283-3474
In partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Wellesley College’s Pandemic Preparedness Team is tracking absenteeism to manage the normal operations of the college as well as to determine the extent of flu-like illness.
Managers have been asked to report, in very general terms, all absences related to illness to 781-283-3474.
Employees with flu-like illness should stay home at least 24 hours after fever has fallen below 100 F or 38 C without the aid of fever reducing medication.
Vaccine
We hope to soon confirm the dates for on-campus seasonal flu vaccination clinics for students.
All members of the college community are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine unless otherwise directed by their health care provider. Community members with presumed cases of H1N1 who have recovered from their illness are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine are different. Vaccine for H1N1 should be available mid to late October. The college will follow the CDC guidelines regarding distribution of this vaccine.
Seasonal Flu Clinics for Faculty, Administrative, and Union Employees
When: Friday, Oct. 2, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center, Room 104
HPHC Members: Members who show their HPHC card will receive the flu shot without charge.
Non-HPHC Members: Flu shots will cost $25, payable by cash or check payable to "Maxim."
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• Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer