~ Health Alert - H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) ~

June 12, 2009

To: All Members of the Wellesley College Community

From: Wellesley College Pandemic Preparedness Team

New Information

We learned yesterday that the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level of the H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak to a level 6 in response to tracking the virus’ worldwide spread. The pandemic alert levels range from 1-6.  According to WHO, the current level, a pandemic phase, indicates that there are community level outbreaks in at least three countries affected in two different WHO regions.  The WHO regions are: Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, and Western Pacific.  See the following link for more information regarding WHO regions: http://www.who.int/about/regions/en/index.html

It is important to reiterate that this pandemic alert level is a reflection of the geographic spread of the novel H1N1 (swine) flu, not its severity.

There are currently no new public health recommendations for influenza testing or management in addition to continuing to exercise the preventive measures noted below. 

Travel Recommendations

As we begin Reunion Weekend and plan for other campus summer activities, we ask all of those traveling to campus to review and respond to the following CDC recommendations. Several weeks ago the CDC removed the international public health travel advisories restricting travel to the U.S.  The current recommendation from the CDC for any travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza is to discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary.  

Those felt to be at high risk for seasonal or H1N1 (swine) influenza complications, in the event of infection, are:

• Children less than 5 years old
• Persons aged 65 years or older
• Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
• Pregnant women
• Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular or metabolic disorders
• Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

As in many area communities, H1N1 (swine) flu virus continues to circulate. As a result we strongly recommend that those at high risk for influenza complications, or who are not feeling well as they approach their travel, exercise good judgment and consider not traveling. 

Reminders

When any of the following symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) are noted, it is important to contact your health provider.  As a reminder, the symptoms of ILI are the sudden onset of:

• Fever (Temp >100)
• Chills
• Severe body aches
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Runny nose

It is recommended by the CDC that individuals with symptoms of influenza-like illness remain home from school or work for seven days or 24 hours after complete resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer. When other symptoms of illness occur, the recommendations are to remain home for at least one day to observe how the illness develops and until one is completely well for 24 hours.

Employees are reminded to seek medical guidance from their primary care physician. In addition to remaining at home, employees should:

• Not bring sick children to work or the office
• Contact your supervisor, department head or department chair to inform them of your absence and keep them apprised of your status.
• Not return to work until you are symptom-free

If you have plans for travel on behalf of the College, please note that the College will be closely monitoring domestic and international travel advisories as they are issued by the CDC. College business travel recommendations will be modified accordingly.

As we begin Reunion and summer programming, the Pandemic Preparedness Team would like to extend its congratulations to all 2009 graduates and their families, welcome all alums and all newcomers to campus who plan to participate in the College’s summer programs. As a reminder, it is important to continue to practice the preventive health measures that will help to maintain the community’s good health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

For more information on H1N1 (swine) flu, please visit the WHO,CDC, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), or the U.S. government Web sites:

WHO: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/levels_pandemic_alert/en/index.html

CDC (General Information): http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

CDC (Travel Info): http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx

MDPH: http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu 

MDPH: http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/

U.S. Government: http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

Wellesley College: healthalert.html

Wellness Corporation: http://www.wellnessworklife.com/

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To: All Members of the Wellesley College Community
From: Wellesley College Pandemic Preparedness Team, Town of Wellesley Board of Health
Re: Health Alert #8 - H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update
Date: June 2, 2009

This health alert is the eighth in a series of communications aimed at keeping the College community informed about H1N1 (swine) flu.
Through Commencement, please refer regularly to the Wellesley College homepage “Health Alert” for updated information.

New Information
We learned late last week that a Wellesley College student, who had tested positive earlier in the week for influenza A, was confirmed to have H1N1 (swine) flu. The student was treated and did self-isolate while we awaited confirmation. Over the past few days, a staff member has developed a suspected case of H1N1 flu and a small number of students have presented with influenza-like illness. The students have chosen to self-isolate off campus and the staff member, who lives off-campus, is also self-isolating at home. As noted earlier, the goal of this precautionary measure is to limit inadvertent exposure to others.

As we approach Commencement this week, students with symptoms consistent with influenza-like illness should contact the Health Service between 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for consultation. Discretionary testing will be conducted based upon the symptoms in individual cases. The goal is to have clinical recommendations based upon as much objective information as possible. Guidance from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) issued last month indicates that laboratory testing should only be done when there is an underlying illness, when hospitalization is to be a consideration, or when the results of the testing would otherwise affect clinical management. In discussion with the Department of Public Health, it has been determined that any testing done at Wellesley would be in the interest of clinical management. We strongly urge any student with influenza-like illness to seek medical attention at Health Services.

At this time, Commencement and summer programming plans remain unchanged.

Travel Recommendations
As we prepare for Commencement, we ask all students who have family and friends traveling to campus to review and respond to the following CDC recommendations. Several weeks ago the CDC removed the international public health travel advisories restricting travel to the U.S. The current recommendation from the CDC for any travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza is to discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary.

Those felt to be at high risk for seasonal or H1N1 (swine) influenza complications, in the event of infection, are:
--Children less than 5 years old
--Persons aged 65 years or older
--Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye's Syndrome after influenza virus infection
--Pregnant women
--Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematologic, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders
--Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
--Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

As in many area communities, H1N1 (swine) flu virus continues to circulate. As a result we strongly recommend that those at high risk for influenza complications or who are not feeling well as they approach their travel to Wellesley exercise good judgment and consider not coming. Additionally, we strongly urge students who are graduating to share and discuss this information with their family members and friends.

Reminders
When any of the following symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI) are noted it is important to contact your health provider. As a reminder, the symptoms of ILI are the sudden onset of:
--Fever (Temp >100)
--Chills
--Severe body aches
--Sore throat
--Cough
--Runny nose

It is recommended by the CDC that individuals with symptoms of influenza-like illness remain home from school or work for seven days or 24 hours after complete resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer. When other symptoms of illness occur, the recommendations are to remain home for at least one day to observe how the illness develops and until one is completely well for 24 hours.

Employees are reminded to seek medical guidance from their primary care physician. In addition to remaining at home, employees should:
--Not bring sick children to work or the office
--Contact your supervisor, department head, or department chair to inform them of your absence and keep them apprised of your status
--Not return to work until you are symptom-free

If you have plans for travel on behalf of the College please note that the College will be closely monitoring domestic and international travel advisories as they are issued by the CDC. College business travel recommendations will be modified accordingly.

As preparations are finalized for Commencement and summer programming, the Pandemic Preparedness Team would like to extend its congratulations to all 2009 graduates and their families and a warm welcome to all newcomers to campus who plan to participate in the College’s summer programs. As a reminder, it is important to continue to practice the preventive health measures that will help to maintain the community’s good health:
--Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
--Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands
--If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

Additional Information
Through June 4, students with questions or symptoms should contact the Health Service at x2810. Urgent Care appointment hours through June 4 are between 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information on H1N1 (swine) flu, please visit the CDC website, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), or the U.S. government:
CDC (General Information) - http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
CDC (Travel Info) – http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx
MDPH – http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
MDPH – http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/
United States Government – http://www.pandemicflu.gov
Wellesley College – healthalert.html
Wellness Corporation – http://www.wellnessworklife.com

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To: Students, Family, Friends, and Members of the Wellesley College Community
From: Wellesley College Pandemic Preparedness Team, Town of Wellesley Board of Health
Re: Health Alert #7 - H1N1 (Swine) Flu, 2009 Commencement and Summer Programs
Date: May 28, 2009

This health alert is the seventh in a series of communications aimed at keeping the
College community informed about H1N1 (swine) flu. Through Commencement,
please refer regularly to the Wellesley College homepage “Health Alert” for
updated information.

New Information
Not unlike many area schools and colleges, a Wellesley College student has tested positive this week for influenza A. Although the confirmatory study is pending, it is likely H1N1 (swine) flu. The student is being treated presumptively and confirmation is expected later this week. In accordance with public health directives, while undergoing treatment and awaiting confirmation, the individual is self isolating. The goal of this precautionary measure is to limit inadvertent exposure to others. At this time, there is no indication that this development will result in any change in planned Commencement events or summer programming.

Several weeks ago the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention removed the international public health travel advisories restricting travel to the U.S. The current recommendation from the CDC for any travelers at high risk for complications from any form of influenza is to discuss with their physicians the risks and benefits of travel in the context of their planned itinerary. Those felt to be at high risk for seasonal or H1N1 (swine) influenza complications, in the event of infection, are:

-- Children less than 5 years old
-- Persons 65 years or older
-- Children and adolescents (less than 18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection
-- Pregnant women
-- Adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV)
-- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

Students with family and friends traveling to campus for planned events are encouraged to share this information with them. It may be prudent for those who may be considered at high risk for influenza complications or who are not feeling well as they approach their travel to exercise good judgment and consider not traveling.

Reminders
When any of the following symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are noted it is important to contact your health provider. As a reminder, the symptoms of ILI are the sudden onset of:

-- Fever (Temp >100)
-- Chills
-- Cough
-- Sore Throat
-- Severe body aches
-- Runny Nose

It is recommended by the CDC that individuals with symptoms of influenza-like illness remain home from school or work for seven days or 24 hours after complete resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer. When other symptoms of illness occur the recommendations are to remain home for at least one day to observe how the illness develops and until one is completely well for 24 hours.

As preparations are finalized for Commencement and summer programming, the Pandemic Preparedness Team would like to extend its congratulations to all 2009 graduates and their families and a warm welcome to all newcomers to campus who plan to participate in the College’s summer programs. Given all of the recent H1N1 (swine) flu public health developments over the past few weeks, it is important to continue to practice the preventive health measures that will help to maintain the community’s good health:

-- Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
-- Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands
-- If you are sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

Additional Information
Through June 4, students with questions may contact the Health Service at x2810.
Urgent Care appointment hours through June 4 are between 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

For more information on H1N1 (swine) flu, please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) or CDC Web sites:
CDC (General Information) - http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
CDC (Travel Info) – http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx
MDPH – http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu
MDPH – http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/h1n1-swine-flu/

###

To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Pandemic Preparedness Team, Staff of the Wellesley College Health Service, and Town of Wellesley Board of Health
Re: Health Alert #6– H1N1 (Swine) Flu Update
Date: May 22, 2009

This health alert update is the sixth in a series of communications aimed at keeping the College informed about the swine flu (H1N1 flu) situation.

New Information: As you are well aware, H1N1 (swine) flu continues to circulate in Massachusetts, the U.S. and the world. Recently we learned that several public and private schools have been experiencing higher than normal levels of student and staff absenteeism as a result of influenza and influenza-like illness. Several of them have made the difficult decision to close for a period of time, including Dana Hall School in Wellesley. The decision to close a school or facility is influenced by several variables, particularly the need to slow the spread of illness within the facility. Much like the seasonal flu, the natural history of swine flu appears to be such that full recovery is expected. Nonetheless, continued spread of the virus inadvertently exposes those with underlying illness for whom full recovery can be more challenging.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) continue to closely monitor this illness, by studying its characteristics as well as its path. You have likely noted a heightened emphasis by public health authorities on the personal measures that we can all take to prevent illness and less emphasis on the number and location of individual cases that are reported or confirmed.

Reminders: As we conclude our academic year this week and begin to engage in end-of-the-year festivities both on and off campus, it is important for faculty, staff, and students to remain observant of health issues. When any of the following symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are noted, it is important to contact your health provider. As a reminder, the symptoms of ILI are the sudden onset of:

▪ Fever (Temp >100)
▪ Sore throat
▪ Runny nose
▪ Cough

It is recommended by the CDC that individuals with symptoms of influenza-like illness remain home from school or work for seven days or 24 hours after complete resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer. When other symptoms of illness occur, the recommendations are to remain home for at least one day to observe how the illness develops and until one is completely well for 24 hours.

As we end our academic year, anticipate the large gatherings of family and guests so characteristic of our end-of-the-year festivities, and prepare for summer programs, it is important for us to be mindful of the following preventive measures:·

▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

▪ Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands

▪ If you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

Following these procedures may help our community in celebrating and enjoying the upcoming festivities and enable participation in summer activities in the healthiest ways possible.

For more information on H1N1 (swine) flu, please visit the MDPH or CDC Web sites:

CDC (General information) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

CDC (FAQ’s) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

MDPH - http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/swine_flu.rtf
and http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/

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To: Wellesley College Employees
From: Vanessa Britto, M.D., Director of Health Services, and Eloise See McGaw, Assistant Vice-President and Director of Human Resources and Equal Opportunity
Date: May 5, 2009

This health alert update is the fifth in a series of communications aimed at keeping the College informed about the swine flu (H1N1 flu) situation.

In light of increased cases in Massachusetts, the college is providing information on avoiding or spreading the H1N1 Virus. Steps to be taken are the same as with the seasonal flu.

▪ Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

▪ Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands

▪ Try to avoid close contact with sick people

▪ If you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

You should remain at home and seek medical guidance from your primary care physician if you have or develop sudden onset of symptoms such as:

▪ Fever (Temp >100.5)

▪ Chills

▪ Severe body aches

▪ Runny nose

▪ Sore throat

If you or members of your family are sick with the above symptoms:

▪ Stay home.

▪ Do not bring sick children to the office

▪ Contact your health care provider

▪ Contact your supervisor, department head, or department chair to inform them of your absence and keep them apprised of your status.

▪ Do not return to work until you are symptom-free

▪ Follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for preventing the spread of the disease (see link below).

If you have plans for travel on behalf of the College, please note that the College will be closely monitoring domestic and international travel advisories as they are issued by the CDC. College business travel recommendations will be modified accordingly. The CDC on April 27 issued a notice recommending that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico at this time. For further information related to the State Department alert, visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

Resources:

CDC (General information) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

CDC (FAQ’s) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

United States Government - www.pandemicflu.gov

Massachusetts Dept Public Health (MDPH) - www.mass.gov/dph

MDPH - http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/

Wellesley College – healthalert.html

Wellness Corporation – www.wellnessworklife.com

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To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Vanessa Britto, M.D., M.Sc., Director of the Health Service & Mary Suresh, R.N., Director, Town of Wellesley Board of Health
Re: Confirmed Case of H1N1
Date: May 5, 2009

This health alert update is the fourth in a series of communications aimed at keeping the College informed about the swine flu (H1N1 flu) situation.

As you know, an individual who resides on the Wellesley College campus was diagnosed with a probable case of H1N1 (swine) flu last week. Today we were informed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) via the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that the case has been confirmed.

As noted in previous Health Alerts, the individual has completely recovered. The individual’s household contact(s) has also remained without symptoms. As a precaution, preventative medication will continue as recommended by the CDC. There has been no rise in the number of students or employees experiencing flu-like symptoms on campus.

At this writing, the CDC reports 403 cases of H1N1 in 38 states. Massachusetts is currently reporting 34 cases. You may note that a significant number of new cases in Massachusetts were reported as confirmed cases. These cases were those that had been in the “probable” category and had previously been counted. There is no sudden increased number of cases but rather those pending tests were finalized almost simultaneously. There is no cause for heightened concern.

Going forward our recommendations for maintaining your good health remain unchanged.

We stress the importance of continuing to practice healthy measures aimed at limiting the likelihood of transmission of H1N1 (swine) flu and any respiratory illness:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people

• If you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

You should make a particular point to remain at home or away from the classroom and seek medical guidance if you have or develop sudden onset of symptoms such as:

• Fever (Temp >100.5)

• Chills

• Cough

• Severe body aches

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

If these symptoms occur, students should contact the Health Service at x2810 for guidance and employees should contact their health care providers. Additionally, employees should contact their supervisors, department heads, or department chair to inform them of an absence and keep them apprised of your status.

Students and employees should not plan to return to work for 7 days or until symptoms have resolved for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

For more information please visit the Web sites of the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH):

CDC (General information) –  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

CDC (FAQ’s) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

MDPH -  www.mass.gov/dph
MDPH -  http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/

###

To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Vanessa Britto, M.D., M.Sc., Director of the Health Service & Mary Suresh, R.N., Director, Town of Wellesley Board of Health
Re: Unconfirmed Case of H1N1
Date: May 1, 2009

This health alert update is the third in a series of communications aimed at keeping the College informed about the swine flu (H1N1 flu) situation.

Last night the Wellesley Board of Health learned from state officials of a probable case of H1N1 flu (swine flu) with an association with

Wellesley College. The case has not yet been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although this individual lives on campus, this individual is not a student at Wellesley College and has had no direct contact with any students or faculty. The individual has been apart from the community for a time period that predated the diagnosis, has been appropriately treated, and is recovering well. Household contacts of the individual are also remaining apart from the community, are asymptomatic, and are being treated preventatively as per CDC guidelines.

As defined by the CDC, a probable case is one in which markers consistent with a form of H1N1 have been identified. Further testing is then completed in order to confirm species-specific H1N1 influenza. At this writing, we are awaiting test results from the CDC.

There is no evidence at this time that the H1N1 flu has spread on campus or to the general community.

The College is in communication with state and local public health officials and is following their guidelines and recommendations. We will continue to regularly disseminate information to students and the campus community in the form of Health Alerts. You may find them by visiting the Wellesley College homepage, clicking on Health Alert.

As we deploy additional hand sanitizer stations in locations throughout the campus, we would like to take this opportunity to remind the community about the importance of frequent hand washing and/or alcohol hand sanitizing. Additionally, as recommended by the CDC, the following healthy practices should be kept in mind by everyone:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people

• If you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

Seek medical attention if you have or develop sudden onset of symptoms such as:

• Fever (temp >100.5)

• Chills

• Severe body aches

• Runny nose

• Sore throat

Students should contact the Health Service at x2810 for guidance about symptoms. Faculty and staff should contact their individual health care providers. For more information please visit the Web sites of the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH):

CDC (General information) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
CDC (FAQ’s) – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
MDPH - http://www.mass.gov/dph
MDPH - http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/

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H1N1 Flu - Swine Flu - Alert 2
To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Pandemic Preparedness Team and the Staff of the Wellesley College Health Service
Date: April 29, 2009

We continue to learn more each day about the outbreak of swine flu that is now confirmed in several countries in various parts of the world. As of 4/29/09, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that there are 91 confirmed cases in the U.S. Sadly, we learned this morning of a death associated with swine flu that has occurred in Texas. In general, however, people in the U.S. with swine flu are fully recovering within days of symptom onset.

This morning, according to Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), two cases have been confirmed in Massachusetts. The cases are in two school age siblings who apparently traveled with their family to Mexico last week.

What is Wellesley’s Response?

The Pandemic Preparedness Team, a subgroup of the College’s Emergency Management Group, representing the Dean of Students’ office, Health Service, Campus Police, Residential and Campus Life, Facilities, Business Operations, Environmental Health and Safety, Human Resources, Public Affairs and Technology, has been and is working together to plan for and implement contingencies that address the campus’ health and safety. We are committed to reporting on information that has been reported and/or verified by local, state, federal or international public health officials.

A Reminder: How Do You Stay Healthy?

Although measures such as vaccination with last season’s flu vaccine will not be useful for swine flu, helpful measures in preventing illness and staying healthy are:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands
• If you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

A Reminder: What Should You Do if You Feel Ill?

Seek medical attention if you have or develop sudden onset of symptoms such as:
• Fever (Temp >100.5)
• Chills
• Severe body aches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose

Students with such symptoms should minimize contact with others, avoid attending class and contact the Health Service at x2810 for assistance. Because the effectiveness of antiviral medication drops off after 48 hours, it is important that treatment for influenza begins as soon as possible.

Where Can You Go for More Information? Please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or the Centers for Disease Control Web sites.

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Swine Flu - Alert 1
To: The Wellesley College Community
From: Vanessa Britto, M.D., M.Sc., Director and the Staff of the Wellesley College Health Service
Date: April 27, 2009

Over the past few days information has come forward regarding a new strain of influenza virus called “swine flu” apparently first noted in Mexico but now discovered in several U.S. states and in Canada. Thus far approximately 20 cases have been confirmed in the U.S. To date, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, no cases have been identified in Massachusetts. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service has, however, declared this occurrence a public health emergency in order to facilitate the mobilization of resources that may be necessary.

What Is “Swine Flu”?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but it’s possible for swine flu viruses to spread from person to person as well. Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu by eating pork products.

What Can You Do To Stay Healthy?
Even though no cases have been identified in Massachusetts, there are steps that everyone can take to prevent getting or spreading any type of influenza: · Wash your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer · Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands · If you’re sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them

What Should You Do if You Feel Ill?
Seek medical attention if you have or develop sudden onset of symptoms such as: · Fever (Temp >100.5) Chills Severe body aches Runny Nose Sore throat Students with such symptoms should minimize contact with others, avoid attending class, and contact the Health Service at x2810 for assistance. Because the effectiveness of antiviral medication drops off after 48 hrs it is important that treatment for influenza begins as soon as possible.

Where Can You Find More Information?
For more information regarding swine flu click on the CDC’s links at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu and that of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/2009/04/swine-flu-update.html.

Vanessa M. Britto, M. D., M.Sc.
Director Health Services
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
781-283-2810 (telephone)
781-283-3693 (fax)
vbritto@wellesley.edu (e-mail)

Below you will find support services, key contacts and other helpful resources.

Support Resources for Students and Employees

Health Services: 781-283-2810 (24-hour access)
During the day, Health Services is staffed by experienced physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners committed to the well-being of all Wellesley students. After hours, students can reach an on-call physician through the main Health Services line (x2810).

Office of Religious and Spiritual Life: 781-283-2685
The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life strives to support the spiritual, educational and worship needs of all Wellesley students, including those of Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian (Orthodox, Protestant, Roman Catholic), Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Native African, Native American, Pagan, Sikh, Unitarian Universalist, Zoroastrian and other religious traditions. Support for the spiritual journeys of students, faculty and staff both within and outside of institutional religious contexts is offered through a series of programs on moral, ethical and spiritual issues.

Stone Center Counseling Service: 781-283-2839
The Counseling Services is open 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, and an emergency hour is reserved each day. After hours and on weekends, there is a counselor on-call through the infirmary at 781-283-2851.

The center provides individual counseling, groups, workshops and consultation to the Wellesley College community. The staff includes licensed social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, a postdoctoral fellow and clinical trainees in graduate schools of social work and psychology. There is no cost for these services. Counseling is confidential.

The Office for Human Resources: 781-283-3202
Human Resources offers support services to help deal with emotional stress. In addition, the Employee Assistance Program can provide help to employees as individuals or in departments. Employees can reach the EAP program directly at 781-235-4950.

Environmental Health and Safety Office: The EHS Office, a part of Facilities Management, addresses health and safety issues in the workplace. It is open 8:30am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Call 781-283-3882 or e-mail showard@wellesley.edu.

Key Contacts at Wellesley College

Emergency help:
Wellesley College Police Department: 781-283-5555 (emergency) or 781-283-2121 (information)

International students:
781-283-2083 - International Student Advisor

Parents concerned about students or situations at Wellesley College:
781-283-2322 - Dean of Students
781-283-2083 - International Student Advisor
781-283-2373 - Public Affairs

Parents concerned about students studying abroad:
781-283-2320 - Office of International Studies