H1N1 Flu Planning at Granite State College
Preparing for H1N1 Flu at Granite State College
September 2009
GSC Students, Faculty, and Staff,
H1N1 flu, so called “Swine Flu,” is expected to have resurgence during this fall’s seasonal influenza cycle. H1N1 flu is of particular concern because most people will have little to no immunity to the disease, it has the potential to spread rapidly, and it may have unpredictable symptoms. There are steps we can each take to prepare for flu season that will help us to prevent infection, control the spread of infection, and plan for the consequences of increased absenteeism due to infection. This brief guide provides practical advice on how our GSC community can stay as healthy and productive as possible during the 2009-2010 Academic Year.
Prevention and Infection Control
- Hand Hygiene: One of the most effective ways to prevent infection is to regularly wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based hand cleaner. Infection is most easily spread by touching eyes, nose, and mouths, so keeping your hands away from these areas can also be helpful.
- Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: When coughing or sneezing please cover your nose and mouth, preferably with a tissue or into your elbow. Try to avoid covering with your hands. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. The influenza virus is commonly spread through droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. Dispose of used tissues properly and immediately.
- Avoid Close Contact: Avoid close contact with other people, especially if they are sick. This may include avoiding handshakes, not sharing utensils, towels, drinks, or other items that may help spread the influenza virus, and sitting farther apart in classrooms.
- Vaccination: A vaccination for H1N1 has been developed and production is underway. It is expected that this vaccine will be available later in the fall. You should talk to your healthcare provider about the appropriateness of vaccination for you and your family.
- Symptoms: Flu symptoms are characterized by fever (greater than 100F/38C) and cough or sore throat. Other symptoms may include: runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, and vomiting. Health care providers will not likely test for H1N1 and so will treat all flu symptoms with the same precautions.
- Self Isolation: If you have the above symptoms you should practice “self isolation.” This is the most effective way to prevent the further spread of flu virus. The CDC is recommending people self isolate until 24 hours after the fever has abated (less than 100F/38C) without the use of fever reducing medicines. If you are sick you should not come to classes or work at GSC.
Planning for Increased Absenteeism
Students, faculty, or staff who become sick should not come to classes or work at GSC. This infection control technique will likely result in increased absenteeism during the fall and winter terms. Of particular concern is the impact this will have on classes. The following guidelines are intended to help you plan proactively:
- Students. If you are a student at GSC and have flu symptoms you should not come to class until you have been symptom free for 24 hours. Be sure to contact your faculty member as soon as possible to let them know that you will be absent. Please contact GSC staff if you have any additional concerns.
- Faculty. Because self isolation is such an important control technique, we are asking faculty to modify attendance policies to accommodate students with flu symptoms who miss class. Please work with your GSC Faculty Coordinator to plan appropriate alternatives to accomplish the course objectives. If you become symptomatic, please contact your Faculty Coordinator to cancel class until you have been symptom free for 24 hours.
- GSC Staff. Staff who become symptomatic should not come to work until they have been symptom free for 24 hours. If you have concerns about earned time or sick leave please talk to your supervisor or GSC Human Resources.
Planning for More Severe Conditions
GSC has a Pandemic Response Plan that includes decision modeling in the event conditions require significant changes in College operations. At this point we are working under the assumption that the College will remain open and classes will remain in session.
Resources
For more information on H1N1 flu visit the following websites:
If you have specific concerns or questions about GSC’s planning please contact:
Peter Conklin
Director of Facilities, Safety, and Sustainability – GSC Pandemic Coordinator
peter.conklin@granite.edu
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