Campus Advisories

H1N1 FLU—FALL 2009 ADVISORY # 7

As of November 11, 2009, the University’s Student Health Center has treated about 221 students with flu-like symptoms since the beginning of fall semester. Dr. Thomas Riley, university physician and director of the Student Health Center, said that most cases have been mild to moderate.

Dr. Riley urges students, faculty, and staff to recognize flu-like symptoms and follow the recommended practices issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The recommendations and other information about H1N1 Influenza can be accessed by visiting umw.edu/advisories/h1n1_influenza_information.

UMW continues to wait for advice from local health officials about the availability of the H1N1
flu vaccine. The University community will be notified as soon as information about the vaccine becomes available. However, students traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday may wish to explore other options.

This message was posted at 10:07 a.m., Wednesday, November 11, 2009.

H1N1 FLU—FALL 2009 ADVISORY # 6

As of November 3, 2009, the University’s Student Health Center has treated about 190 students with flu-like symptoms. Most cases have been mild to moderate, according to Dr. Thomas Riley, university physician and director of the University’s Student Health Center. To date, the center has not been notified of any hospitalizations related to the flu.

Dr. Riley urges students, faculty, and staff to recognize flu-like symptoms and follow the recommended practices issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The recommendations and other information about the H1N1 Influenza can be accessed by visiting umw.edu/advisories/h1n1_influenza_information.

UMW continues to work with state and local health officials to administer the H1N1 flu vaccine. The University community will be notified as soon as information becomes available.

This message was posted at 2:50 p.m., Tuesday, November 03, 2009

Since the start of the 2009 fall semester, the University’s Student Health Center has treated a handful of students with flu-like illnesses, but all have either recovered or are recuperating without any serious complications. Fortunately, Mary Washington has not seen the large numbers of cases found at other campuses around the country.

Still, the University is expecting more cases during the coming weeks and is working closely with federal, state, and local public health offices to minimize a flu outbreak.

At UMW, hand sanitizers have been distributed to common public areas on both campuses. Individuals also are encouraged to purchase their own alcohol-based hand cleanser for personal use.

An H1N1 influenza information line has been set up for use by students: 540/654-2500. The Student Health Center is located in Lee Hall, Room 112 and may be reached by calling 540/654-1040 or by email at healthcenter@umw.edu.  Other resources for faculty and staff include: the Centers for Disease Control information line at 800/CDC-INFO or the Virginia Department of Health information line at 877/ASK-VDH3.

Seasonal flu vaccines will be available to students, faculty, and staff in mid-September and vaccines for the H1N1 influenza are expected to be available on campus in October. The UMW community will be notified of the dates as soon as they are available.

In the meantime, there are everyday steps you can take to help prevent the spread of this illness.

 

As of August 28, 2009, only one student at UMW has a confirmed case of the H1N1 influenza. The UMW Health Center also has treated three other students suspected of having the H1N1 virus.

The University has distributed hand sanitizers to common public areas on both campuses. Individuals also are encouraged to purchase their own alcohol-based hand cleanser for personal use.

An H1N1 influenza information line has been set up for use by students: 540/654-2500. Sources of information for employees, as well as students, include www.flu.gov;
1-800-CDC-INFO; 1-877-ASK-VDH3 (Virginia Department of Health); www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/swine-flu.

Seasonal flu vaccines will be available to students, faculty, and staff in September and vaccines for the H1N1 influenza are expected to be available on campus in October. The UMW community will be notified of the dates as soon as they are available.

In keeping with best practices as advised by the Centers for Disease Control, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and other agencies, UMW recommends the following practices to help prevent the spread of the influenza:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay isolated in your dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the aid of acetaminophen or ibuprofen) except to get medical care. Contact a friend or caregiver to bring food and supplies if needed. Have them leave them in a safe place for you to access from your living quarters. (Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.)

• Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grain products. Drink plenty of water and limit salt, sugar, saturated fats and alcohol.

• Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.

This message was posted at 10:24 a.m., August 28, 2009
 

UPDATE ON H1N1 INFLUENZA

The University Health Center has its first confirmed case of the H1N1 influenza today, August 26, 2009. So far, four students who are suspected of contracting the H1N1 virus have been treated by the Health Center.

These students have been advised to “self isolate” in the students’ residence hall rooms and avoid any public contact. They are being cared for by UMW Residence Life professional staff members.

The University has distributed hand-sanitizers to all common public areas, including the Seacobeck Dining Hall.  Individuals also are encouraged to purchase their own alcohol-based hand cleanser for personal use.

An H1N1 influenza line has been set up for use by students: 540/654-2500. Sources of information for employees, as well as students, include www.flu.gov;
1-800-CDC-INFO; 1-877-ASK-VDH3 (Virginia Department of Health); www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/swine-flu.

 Seasonal flu vaccines will be available to students, faculty, and staff in September and vaccines for the H1N1 influenza are expected to be available on campus in October. The UMW community will be notified of the dates as soon as they are available.

In keeping with best practices as advised by the Centers for Disease Control, Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and other agencies, UMW recommends the following practices to help prevent the spread of the influenza:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

·         Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

·         Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

·         If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay isolated in your dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the aid of acetaminophen or ibuprofen) except to get medical care. Contact a friend or caregiver to bring food and supplies if needed. Have them leave them in a safe place for you to access from your living quarters. (Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.)

·         Eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grain products. Drink plenty of water and limit salt, sugar, saturated fats and alcohol.

·         Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.

 This message was posted at 4:50 p.m. on  Wednesday, August 26, 2009.