Aug. 26, 2009: Letter to Campus Community

Posted Aug. 26, 2009

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

You are probably aware of the public health community's concern about the influenza A H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu. As the academic year begins, I write on behalf of the University and the emergency preparedness team, which has been meeting regularly throughout the summer to plan for a potential campus swine flu outbreak, to alert you to the importance of proper precautions against the spread of swine flu. In doing so, we 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.

It is important that you read this entire message as it includes guidance regarding attendance to classes, work and campus activities for those who have symptoms of the flu.

Here are the key facts:

The Virus

  • The new H1N1 virus is continuing to cause illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. during the normally flu-free summer months.
  • The virus has demonstrated a capacity far greater than other flu viruses to infect individuals aged 5 to 24. 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 campus was limited is that the University responded swiftly to the situation, and we pledge to continue our vigilance. At that time, only about 250 students were living on campus. The students have all recovered.
  • Given the age of most employees at Bucknell, it is much more likely that an employee will contract seasonal flu than H1N1.
  • 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."
  • Public health authorities believe that anyone with swine flu is contagious for up to five days after the onset of illness and possibly longer if they are still symptomatic. The virus can survive on surfaces for about two hours after an infected person touches it.

Vaccines

  • We expect the seasonal flu vaccine to be available later this fall, in time for the beginning of the seasonal flu season. Consistent with regular practice, the seasonal flu vaccine will be available from the Student Health Center for any student or faculty or staff member requesting it. The cost is $20. The vaccine will be delivered via a mist sprayed into the nose. This method of flu vaccination is as effective as any method of delivery.
  • At this time, there is no vaccine for the swine flu. Authorities expect one to be available this fall.
  • The University is requesting an allocation of the swine flu vaccine, but at this time public health authorities have indicated that the swine flu vaccine will be under the authority of state health officials and distributed as they determine. If this plan changes, we will update you, and advise you meanwhile to stay alert for media announcements on this subject from the state.
  • The CDC recommends that 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."

Prevention

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 to take seriously the following recommendations from public health professionals:

  • 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.

Symptoms

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 your temperature rises to 100 degrees or above and you have these symptoms, there is a good chance you may have this form of the flu. You should make sure you that have a thermometer at home or in your residence hall room so that, if need be, you can check your own temperature. If students do not have their own thermometer with them, the RAs can provide one for temporary use.

Isolation

Because of the above facts, the CDC has advised universities that it is best to isolate individuals who contract swine flu. Accordingly, the University urges you to take note of the following:

  • Students who are concerned that they may have H1N1 should call - not visit - Bucknell's Office of Student Health Services (570-577-1401 or 570-577-1410) or, after hours, Department of Public Safety (570-577-3333).
  • Students determined to have H1N1 will be isolated in their residence hall room. Until they are determined by a physician to be well again, they should not attend class, athletic practices, or campus activities or visit the dining halls; and faculty, coaches, and advisers should not penalize them for such absences. Dining Services will bring food to the student in his or her residence hall room, and roommates will be offered temporary living quarters until the student is determined to be no longer contagious.
  • Members of the faculty and staff with symptoms of the flu should call their physicians or a local hospital, should not come to work until they are well again, and should inform their supervisors that they have the flu. If faculty or staff members have concerns about available sick leave, they should e-mail or call Human Resources.

Updates

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. Please check this website, including the FAQs, 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