Dear Colleagues,

Although there are still no confirmed on-campus cases of H1N1 during the current academic year, we continue to be concerned about the possibility of a significant outbreak on campus. I write now with some hints about dealing with the virus that have emerged from various meetings.

Self-Isolation- The Center for Disease Control advises that persons who have fevers that result from the H1N1 virus should remain in isolation until at least 24 hours after the fever has left. Lawrence has reserved some spaces in the Health Center and one of the Guest Houses for students to be self-isolated. Please encourage students and others who believe they may be ill to self-isolate. If you believe that you are personally infected, please arrange self-isolation.

Go to the Health Services Office- Persons who may believe they have H1N1 should be encouraged to visit the Health Services Office.

Social Responsibility- One characteristic of the flu is that persons can have a profound effect on others by how they behave. In particular, persons who may have the flu should voluntarily self-isolate. Even if they are feeling well, they may be infecting others. It may be helpful to point this out–that being responsible, particularly with respect to self-isolation, is part of the larger picture of developing social concern for others.

Flexibility- Please consider ways to make it possible for potentially infected persons to meet their responsibilities while maintaining “social distance”. For classes and other group activities, this may mean modification of assignments. The Center for Disease Control has stated that large group gatherings are the most serious cause of H1N1 spread in institutions of higher education.

On-line Syllabi–For faculty– If you can post your syllabi on-line, this may facilitate access by students who are self-isolating.

On-line submission of assignments- If you can permit students to submit assignments on-line (where the nature of the assignment makes this feasible) that can facilitate work by students in self-isolation, as well as cut down on the physical exchange of paper that can be a source of spreading the virus. The Director of Information Technology Services believes there is enough storage capacity in our system to absorb a large volume of on-line assignments.

Sanitizers- We have been able to install a few sanitizers at various locations in academic buildings. In addition, some sanitizer containers may be available at various locations. Please encourage their use.

Thanks. If you have further hints, please let me know.

Dave Burrows

Provost and Dean of the Faculty

Lawrence University

Dear Lawrence Community,

As our students return to campus, I write to update you on our continuing efforts to contend with the H1N1 (also known as swine flu) virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates a surge in the new H1N1 influenza, as well as in seasonal influenza this fall. While it is difficult to predict just what the impact on our campus will be, fortunately the vast majority of cases is mild, and consists of general flu-like symptoms. However, H1N1 does tend to impact children and young adults with greater frequency than other ages, and college-aged students are listed as a priority category for both contagion and vaccination.

Our plans follow closely the CDC guidelines. While we want to position ourselves to protect our community as thoroughly as possible from a possible outbreak through the use of common-sense efforts and vaccinations, we do not want to frighten individuals, or cause undue panic. We will continue to approach our work in a thoughtful and serious manner, reflective of our responsibilities to students, faculty, and staff, as well as to the larger community.

Over the summer, we have continued to monitor update reports from the Centers for Disease Control, the Appleton Health Department, and key resources in higher education health and safety. Under the guidance of the Crisis Management Team, Lawrence University has emergency plans in place to address on-campus crises, including health concerns.

Classes and Activities

Classes and other activities will continue as scheduled this term. Our Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor the progress and the severity of the H1N1 virus, and make recommendations regarding changes in campus operations and activities on the basis of any flu outbreak. Our off-campus study and study abroad programs follow the World Health Organization and CDC guidelines. After proper consultation with faculty, the Provost and Dean of Faculty will make decisions regarding any cancellation or suspension of classes. Any such decisions will be communicated to faculty, students and staff through email and other communications.

Public Health Precautions

We strongly recommend that all members of our campus community take the following common sense precautions:

&bull Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw tissue away immediately.

&bull If tissues are unavailable, cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow.

&bull Wash hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.

&bull Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread this way.

&bull Although the virus is airborne and does not live on surfaces, keep workspaces and living spaces clean.

&bull Practice social distancing (6 feet is recommended by the CDC); avoid people with influenza-like illness.

&bull Do not share food, drink, or utensils.

&bull Get the seasonal influenza vaccine.

&bull Get the H1N1 influenza vaccine when it is recommended.

&bull Treatment for symptoms and information about testing are available from the Health Center.

&bull If you are ill and traveling home, to contain the spread of the virus, do not use public transportation.

&bull If you feel ill, stay at home or in your room and rest. If you have a fever and/or flu-like symptoms, seek on-campus or community-based health care.

&bull Keep the Health Center informed if you are tested for or diagnosed with H1N1.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or campus health services to see if an antiviral medication is recommended.

Medication and Vaccinations

Generally, Tamiflu, an antiviral medication, is prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu is not a cure, but it does reduce the severity of symptoms and decreases the length of recovery time by about 24 hours.

The following vaccinations are expected to be available at Lawrence this fall:

Seasonal Flu Vaccine: The CDC recommends that all persons get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. See the following schedule for the seasonal influenza vaccine opportunities:

Wednesday 10/21/09

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Rm 224 Warch Campus Center (Esch Studio)

Thursday 10/22/09

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Rm 224 Warch Campus Center (Esch Studio)

Tuesday 10/27/09

7:00-9:00 pm

Rm 224 Warch Campus Center (Esch Studio)

H1N1 Vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. I will be in touch again in the coming weeks regarding when this vaccine will be available.

For updates about H1N1 on our campus, continue to visit the Lawrence University website and this blog.

More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following websites:

. www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

. www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov

All members of our community are strongly encouraged to take the standard precautions adopted during the flu season and to play an active role in our public health and flu-prevention efforts. Our efforts as a conscious and careful community could very well mean the difference between a mild and severe outbreak.

Sincerely,

Jill Beck, Ph.D.

As was communicated yesterday, Lawrence University has its first case of the H1N1 virus. (Read the news release.) The Wisconsin Laboratory of Hygiene confirmed today that a Lawrence University student has tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The student, who is experiencing mild flu-like symptoms, is being isolated and our campus is following the advice and protocols of local health officials in accordance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are a few key points to remember in controlling the spread of infectious disease:

• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, contact the Lawrence University Health Center immediately. The Health Center staff will assist with arrangements for students, faculty, and staff to be tested, as needed. H1N1 virus systems include:
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat)
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
• The H1N1 virus does not survive on surfaces, and can be spread only through direct contact.
• After contacting the Health Center, it is important for those with symptoms to avoid direct, close contact with others. The campus community expects that you will stay home from work or class for seven days after the onset of flu-like symptoms, and also for 24-hours after the symptoms have gone away.
• To reduce the risk of any illness, including H1N1 influenza:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer often, especially after using tissues
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with your arm or sleeve
  • Don’t share drinking cups and straws
  • Avoid close contact with others who are sick
• If you have a cough, you are asked to stop by the Lawrence Health Center to pick up a mask as an added measure of protection against spreading disease.
• Some members of the community have requested that we identify the student that has tested positive. Privacy laws prevent the college from releasing the student’s identity. Casual contact with an infected person does not mean you will contract the virus. If you are not experiencing symptoms, we ask that you continue to practice good hygiene habits. If you have symptoms, seek medical attention via the Health Center as soon as possible.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Lawrence University has its first probable case of H1N1 virus. A student has tested positive for the virus with a confirmation expected by a state lab either later today or tomorrow. The student is isolated and experiencing somewhat mild flu-like symptoms. It is important that all members of the campus community take measures to ensure their own health and the health of those around them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills) you are advised to stay home from work or stay in your room and do not attend classes for 7 days after onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. It is important that you report your symptoms to the Lawrence University Health Center immediately, and avoid close, direct contact with others. Testing for H1N1 can be done at St. Elizabeth Hospital or Appleton Medical Center, and for those who do not have health insurance, there is a local clinic that have been designated to receive funding to handle testing for the uninsured (contact the Dean of Students Office or the Health Center for details).

Classes will continue as usual and the business of the college goes on, but each individual is expected to make good health decisions for him or herself. Please continue to practice safe hand washing and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. As we are part of a small, close-knit community, we must rely on the proper decision-making of each member of our community to help keep us all healthy and safe.

Please note that today’s Honors Convocation will go on as scheduled, but anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should not attend.

The following links provide additional information:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov

http://www.appleton.org

Thank you for your cooperation.

Nancy Truesdell

VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students