August 31, 2009
Dear Parents of FAU Students:
As you are likely aware, the H1N1 influenza virus is a concern for colleges and universities nationwide as students return to class this fall. We would like to update you about H1N1 influenza and what Florida Atlantic University is doing to help our students stay healthy.
First and foremost, FAU Student Health Services will continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for dealing with H1N1. A multi-disciplinary team of FAU staff, including Student Health Services, Housing & Residence Life, and Environmental Health & Safety, continues to meet regularly to discuss H1N1 and prepare for the additional cases we expect to see this semester. The university is also working closely with county and state health departments.
Prevention is the best weapon against H1N1. That is why the university is using a multi-layered communication approach to reach students to promote good hygiene and provide methods to prevent against H1N1. FAU will continue to send out messages on MyFAU, via email, posters in residence halls, in addition to other means, and the month of September is FAU Safety Month, a month devoted to providing information to students so they can remain healthy and safe.
In addition, FAU faculty are being encouraged to be flexible with their attendance and make-up policies for students experiencing influenza. Students are encouraged to check with professors and/or academic advisors should they need assistance in regards to absences due to influenza.
Because H1N1 continues to circulate throughout South Florida and beyond, please help to urge students to take precautions wherever they go.
Students and their families are encouraged to review CDC information on staying healthy, including recommendations to:
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Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
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Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering. Other symptoms may include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
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Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
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Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal and H1N1 flu. Also, if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.
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Practice good health habits: eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest and exercise, reduce your stress by prioritizing your tasks, using yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques or consult with a counselor if you have many stress related symptoms.
The best way to prevent the spread of flu is by vaccination. The seasonal influenza vaccine will be offered to eligible students early in the fall semester, and the vaccine against H1N1 influenza is expected to be available later in the term.
For further information please visit:
http://www.fau.edu/facilities/ehs/safety/H1N1.php
www.flu.gov
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
Or call:
CDC hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO 232-4636)
The Florida H1N1 Flu Hotline: 877-352-3581
FAU Environmental Health & Safety: 561-297-0028
Student Health Services: 561-297-3516.
We appreciate the cooperation of our students and their families as we begin the fall semester. We will keep you informed of any additional changes to FAU’s strategy to prevent the spread of flu on its campuses.
Sincerely,
Cathie Wallace, RN, MSN
Director, FAU Student Health Services
