Aug. 20, 2009: Letter to Bucknell Parents

Posted Aug. 20, 2009

Dear Bucknell Parent,

You are probably aware of the public health community's concern about the dangers of the influenza A H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu. As the start of the academic year approaches, I write on behalf of the University to alert you to the importance of proper precautions against the spread of swine flu. In doing so, I want to underscore that, while everything noted here is the best available information at this time from the public health community, notably the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this situation continues to evolve rapidly. Information on this flu can change as quickly as overnight. Given the concern the public health community has about the potential impact of swine flu on college campuses this fall, we have decided to take the special step of sharing this information directly with parents at this time.

Here are the key facts:

  • The new H1N1 virus is continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. during the normally flu-free summer months.
  • This virus could move swiftly from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere in the coming weeks. Epidemiologists are concerned that as the H1N1 virus moves, it could mutate into a more dangerous strain than the strain that appeared this spring.
  • The virus has demonstrated a capacity to infect college-age students. As previously announced, at Bucknell, for example, we had three cases of swine flu this summer. We believe part of the reason the impact on Bucknell was limited is that the University responded swiftly to the situation, and we pledge to continue our vigilance. At that time, it must be noted, only about 250 students were living on campus. The students have all recovered.
  • The seasonal flu and the swine flu are different viruses, so it is possible to contract both types of flu. The CDC recommends vaccination against the seasonal flu, but also states, "The seasonal flu vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza." We expect the seasonal flu vaccine to be available later this fall, in time for the beginning of the seasonal flu season.
  • At this time, there is no vaccine for the swine flu. The hope is that one will be available this fall.

The CDC recommends students get the swine flu vaccine when it becomes available. Specifically, the CDC states, "The groups recommended to receive the novel H1N1 influenza vaccine include . . . [y]oung adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population."

Because institutions where many people live or work closely together, such as college campuses, are particularly susceptible to outbreaks of the flu, the CDC is advising educational institutions to be vigilant in encouraging good prevention and mitigation measures. Accordingly, the University is asking you as a parent to talk with your student(s) before school begins and encourage them to take seriously the following recommendations from public health professionals. We will also be reminding students, as well as the rest of the campus community, of these preventative steps, which are:

  • Everyone should wash their hands thoroughly and often with soap and water. In the absence of soap and water, use alcohol-based sanitizers. In addition to its usual practice of providing antibacterial soap in all campus restrooms, the University is placing numerous alcohol-based sanitizers at sites throughout campus given the public health concern about novel H1N1.
  • Everyone should cover their mouth and nose with their upper sleeve when they cough or sneeze.
  • Everyone should avoid sharing utensils, drinks or personal-care items, and should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth.

While the H1N1 virus is different than the seasonal flu virus, its symptoms are similar and typically include fever, cough and sore throat. Additional symptoms may include headache, chills, fatigue and body aches. If a student's temperature rises to 100 degrees or above and he or she has these symptoms, there is a good chance the student may have this form of the flu. In light of the above information, students should bring a thermometer to campus with them so that, if need be, they can check their own temperature. Students who are concerned that they may have H1N1 should call Bucknell's Office of Student Health Services or, after hours, Department of Public Safety.

The University is working closely with local, state and federal officials to remain informed and manage the campus response to swine flu. We have set up a special website with additional information about H1N1 at www.bucknell.edu/swineflu, including links to sites with related information. I urge you to ask your student to review the website today, including the FAQs, and check the website regularly for updates. The University will provide email updates to campus as new information warrants.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Donald W. Stechschulte Jr.
Director, Student Health Services

Contact: Division of Communications