Swine flu updates

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Centennial Hall Lounge Westside campus

All WCSU students can receive an H1N1 vaccination from University Health Services at a free clinic in the Centennial Hall Lounge (by the front entrance) at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2. You no longer need to be a member of a priority group to receive a vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and the Connecticut Department of Public Health recommend that everyone be vaccinated. The early spring is the time that flu traditionally hits hardest, so it is a good idea to be prepared. Vaccination of people with certain health conditions is especially important because they are more likely to get serious flu-related complications. Health conditions that increase the risk of being hospitalized with H1N1 include lung disease such as asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or neurologic disease, and pregnancy.


December 17, 2009 - Flu vaccine still available

Sufficient supplies of the H1N1 vaccines have been produced nationally and the University now has the ability to distribute the vaccine to any student or employee interested in being vaccinated.  Students or employees interested in being vaccinated should contact the Health Services Department at 203-837-8594 (prompt #4) to schedule an appointment.  You will need to provide a valid student or employee ID to receive the vaccine.  The vaccines are being offered at no cost.  Please consult with your regular health care provider about whether you should get the H1N1 vaccine. 


November 11, 2009 - Flu vaccine available

The H1N1 flu vaccine is available to WCSU students with priority health concerns.

  • Students 24 years old and younger with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, immune deficiencies due to illness or medical treatment (e.g. HIV, cancer, transplant recipients), heart disease, or certain metabolic/endocrine disorders (e.g. diabetes, but not hypothyroidism);
  • Pregnant students; and
  • Students who are household members or direct caregivers to infants under 6 months old.

If you are in one of these groups and wish to receive the H1N1 vaccine, call university Health Services at (203) 837-8593 to schedule an appointment.

Bring your WCSU ID.

H1N1 Vaccination Clinic
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Midtown Student Center, Room 201

University Health Services has received its first shipment of the H1N1 vaccine. Because Health Services has received a limited supply, at this time only current WCSU students who fall into one of three priority groups will be eligible for vaccination. The priority groups are as follows:

  • Students 24 years old and younger with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, COPD, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, immune deficiencies due to illness or medical treatment (e.g. HIV, cancer, transplant recipients), heart disease, or certain metabolic/endocrine disorders (e.g. diabetes, but not hypothyroidism);
  • Pregnant students; and
  • Students who are household members or direct caregivers to infants under 6 months old.

If you believe you are in one of these groups and wish to receive the H1N1 vaccine, you should attend the vaccination clinic held in Room 201 of the Midtown Student Center on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, between 10a.m. and 4 p.m. The vaccine will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to current students who fall within one of the three priority groups identified above.

Please do not call Health Services directly to schedule an appointment.

Please note: You will need to bring your WCSU ID and you will be asked to fill out a form when you arrive at the vaccination clinic.

As the university receives additional supply of the vaccine, future H1N1 vaccination clinics will be held. We hope to offer the vaccine to all WCSU students under age 25 in the near future.

October 19, 2009 - Hand sanitizer

A second delivery of alcohol hand wipes to WestConn has been delayed until around Jan. 1. Forty thousand wipes were distributed to both campuses shortly after the beginning of the fall semester to aid students, faculty and staff in limiting the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Another 40,000 wipes will be distributed to common areas when they arrive. In the meantime, everyone is urged to buy personal bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When used frequently, sanitizer can keep viruses and germs from spreading.

October 13, 2009 - New cases of flu on campus

The H1N1 virus is on campus. Three residents of Litchfield Hall have confirmed or suspected cases of the virus. They have all gone home to get well.

We anticipate that more students, faculty and staff will get the virus, and the university will follow the plans that we began developing last spring to deal with any circumstances.

Please continue to follow the simple rules that should help you avoid getting or spreading the flu: wash your hands frequently; cover your cough; if you feel sick, go home; if you live on campus, make arrangements to move temporarily to a friend’s room if your roommate becomes sick.

The university is making available disinfecting solutions that students can use to clean their own rooms. Resident directors will have more information. Maintenance staff has been cleaning the high-traffic common areas in residence halls and other areas of the university on an increased schedule.

Below is a list of questions about the virus and what to do if you feel sick. The answers will help you decide whether you need to go home to recover or call your family doctor.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

  • abrupt onset of cough
  • sore throat
  • runny nose/congestion
  • muscle aches
  • headache
  • shortness of breath
  • fever over 100.4
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

IF YOU HAVE THESE SYMPTOMS, GO HOME, GET PLENTY OF REST AND DRINK FLUIDS.

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS GET WORSE — YOUR TEMPERATURE GOES OVER 102; YOU BECOME DEHYDRATED AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO RETAIN FLUIDS; YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY BREATHING; OR YOU HAVE CHEST PAINS — GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM.

If you see a doctor, someone will ask you these questions:

  1. Do you have any chronic medical problems such as asthma, severe obesity, diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease?
  2. Have you been in contact with anyone diagnosed with the H1N1 Flu?
  3. Do you have allergies to any medications?
    If so, which?
  4. Are you pregnant?
  5. Are you currently taking any medications?

The answers to these questions will help a health care professional decide what kind of treatment you might need.

Frequently asked questions about the H1N1 virus

What has the University done to prepare for possible swine flu outbreak?

WCSU has been preparing for a possible outbreak since spring 2009.  A team of critical on-campus professionals, including health service and housing/residential staff have been meeting regularly, making contingency plans in the residence halls (i.e., special areas for students who are sick and cannot get home), purchasing sanitary wipes for the campus, creating a Web site for the campus community and the public as well as producing a set of informational materials/letters that have been sent to all staff and students.

What if I am sick with flu like symptoms?

The university will send students who have these symptoms home!  The best approach is to go home and to get well.  Students who are sent home should stay home and wait for at least 24 hours after feeling better before returning to campus.  For residential students who cannot get home there are a limited number of isolated beds available.

What if my roommate is sick with H1N1?

Students who have the flu or flu like symptoms will be sent home.  If your roommate is getting sick, you may wish to stay in another room with friends (where possible) but avoid contact with the person who is not feeling well.  In some cases, roommates may be exposed to those who are sick but will not know this immediately so it might make sense to take anti-flu medication if possible.  If your roommate is sick try to monitor yourself for signs of flu and limit direct contact with others for several days.  Wear a surgical mask when around your roommate and ask if he/she can too.  Clean all surfaces with disinfectant wipes (which will be available throughout the campus) and use sanitizing hand gel.  Remember, students who are feeling sick will be sent home.

What are the symptoms of the flu/swine flu?

Symptoms include abrupt onset of fever/sweats, chills, aches throughout the body, sore throat and/or cough, headache, possibly diarrhea and/or vomiting. Flu is worse than your typical cold or sore throat.

What can I do to take care of myself?

Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.  Fevers and aches can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin).  Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms such as cough and congestion.  Remember that taking these medications will not make a person less infectious.  Also, do NOT take aspirin.

Check the ingredients on the cold/flu package label to see if the medication already contains fever reducers (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before taking additional doses of these medications—do not double dose!  Individuals with kidney disease or stomach problems should check with their health care provider before taking any fever reducers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  If you think you are at higher risk for complications from flu treatment contact your health care provider or university Health Services.  People at higher risk include children under the age of five years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease) and people age 65 and older.

Antiviral medications can sometimes help lessen influenza symptoms, but require a prescription. These medications need to be taken within 48 hours of the onset of flu symptoms.  Most people do not need these antiviral drugs to recover fully from the flu.  Ask you health care provider whether you need antiviral medication.

What if I am getting worse or short of breath and dizzy?

More severe or prolonged illness or illness that seems to get better, but then gets worse again may be an indication that a person has a bacterial infection.  Check with your health care provider if you have concerns.  You may also call or go to the Danbury Hospital Emergency Room if you are very ill or dehydrated.   Danbury Hospital Emergency is 203-739-7100.

Can I call 911 or the Campus Police?

Yes!  Do not hesitate if you are so sick you can’t drink, eat, have a high fever, cough, severe vomiting, etc.  Call either 911 or Campus Police at 203-837-9300.

Will the university penalize me if I have to miss classes due to the flu?

The university will not penalize students if they must go home because of the flu.  Professors have been asked to work with students who are ill with the flu to make up any missed assignments, tests, etc.

Where are some local pharmacies near the university?

  • Danbury Hospital has a pharmacy on Locust Avenue (next to the Emergency Room), 203-792-2044
  • CVS on Lake Avenue (Westside Campus side of town), 203-778-7471
  • CVS on White Street, 203-743-5576
  • CVS South Street, 203-797-8919 (Has full supply of flu prescription medications)
  • Walgreens on Main Street   203-791-0405
  • Stop and Shop on Lake Avenue (Westside Campus Side), 203-797-8476
  • Wal-Mart on Route 6, 203-791-8178

A PROBABLE CASE OF H1N1 ON CAMPUS

On Sept. 8 the university learned that an adjunct faculty member became the first person on campus to be infected with a probable case of the H1N1 virus. The faculty member took the appropriate action and stayed home as soon as she came down with flu-like symptoms.  Isolating yourself from others, along with good hygiene practices, are the two most effective means to stem the spread of the virus.  Fortunately, the current H1N1 virus produces mostly a mild to moderate flu for most individuals.  While this virus is now appearing sporadically in Connecticut, many experts believe that the transmission rate will increase as we approach mid- to late September. 

Western Connecticut State University has been preparing for the possible spread of this virus.  The university established a team that has been working on this issue since April 2009.  The team will continue to meet throughout the academic year to monitor the situation on our campus and to take whatever preventative actions are reasonable.  Several of the actions that have been taken so far are:

  • Educating People About Flu Symptoms — Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 also may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Good Hygiene Campaign — In accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the university is encouraging students, faculty and staff to follow good hygiene practices including, but not limited to, washing your hands regularly, covering coughs or sneezes, and isolating yourself if you become sick. 
  • Free Alcohol Hand Wipes — The university has purchased 40,000 antibacterial wipes that will be distributed throughout campus for free.  We encourage people to use these wipes.  However, we also encourage everyone to purchase their own alcohol-based hand sanitizer and to use it frequently.
  • Stay Home Campaign — Students, faculty and staff who become sick with flu-like symptoms are being told to stay home until they are fever-free (without the aid of medication) for 24 hours, or for seven days after the onset of the illness.
  • Health Services — Our medical staff is prepared to treat severely ill students and refer them to appropriate medical facilities. If you become severely ill after regular hours — with high fever or difficulty breathing — call a doctor or go to a hospital emergency room.
  • Vaccine Program — As we have done in the past, the university will offer a vaccination program for the seasonal flu, and anticipates offering a vaccination program for the H1N1 virus, if and when one is available to us.  The seasonal flu vaccine programs are scheduled for Sept. 23Oct. 19  and Oct. 21.  Talk with your health care provider about whether you should get the seasonal flu vaccine.
  • Residence Life — Staff in the residence halls have been trained in how to spot individuals with flu-like symptoms and what steps to take.  Those steps include encouraging students to go home and, in situations where a student is unable to leave campus, to isolate the ill student from others.
  • Separation Areas — The university has set aside an apartment on each campus to house ill students who cannot go home so that they can be isolated from the general student body.
  • Outside Contractors — The university has worked with critical outside contractors, including our vendors for food services, heating oil and campus bus service, to make sure all have plans in place to continue operations during a severe outbreak.
  • Academic Work Flexibility — Faculty have been advised to accommodate students with academic work who become ill.
  • Cleaning — Students are encouraged to frequently clean their living quarters, including high-touch surfaces like desktops.  In addition, the university is distributing bottles of sanitizing solution to classrooms and other common areas so that faculty, students and staff can clean surfaces in-between the regular staff cleaning schedules.
  • Student Buddy System —We encourage students to think about what to do if a roommate becomes ill with flu symptoms.  The well student should find another location where they can spend time until the ill roommate goes home or is relocated.
  • Web site — Finally, bookmark this page (www.wcsu.edu/president/swine-flu.asp). I will use it to update the university community about the virus.

If we all enact the steps outlined above, we can limit the spread of the H1N1 virus on campus.  Remember, this is a mild to moderate flu.  With everyone’s support, we can get through this. 

PREPARING FOR POSSIBLE H1N1 OUTBREAK

Stay Healthy Flyer

As media have been reporting, outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, could be severe on university campuses across the country this fall. Please join me in helping our students prepare and deal with the consequences, whatever they may be.

A team led by Chuck Spiridon, associate vice president for Human Resources, met over the summer to begin preparations. We will communicate with students at every opportunity about the importance of washing their hands, covering their cough and, perhaps most important, going home when they feel sick.  In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, students and staff with flu symptoms will be asked to stay home until they are without a fever for 24 hours (without the aid of medication) or for seven days after they become sick.  The university is taking other precautions by purchasing large quantities of antibacterial wipes for free distribution to students and staff.

We have secured at least one apartment for use by students who are ill and cannot return home.  In addition, the Housing & Residence Life Staff will be monitoring the situation in the residence halls for signs of flu outbreak.

If the federal government sends us vaccine for the H1N1 virus, we will make extensive efforts to vaccinate all willing students. According to the latest information, an H1N1 vaccine will not be available until Mid-October at the earliest.  In the interim, the CDC is encouraging students and staff to get the seasonal flu vaccine.

And in the meantime, information from the Centers for Disease Control can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

If you have questions about the university’s response, feel free to contact Chuck Spiridon at spiridonc@wcsu.edu or committee member Paul Steinmetz at steinmetzp@wcsu.edu.

Resources

Here are some Web sites that offer useful information about the H1N1 virus and ways that you can prepare for its arrival in the U.S. this fall.


Related Links: