Campus News

H1N1 Update

Sept. 10, 2009

Members of the Campus Community:

The staff in campus health service has indicated to me this afternoon that a student has reported and been diagnosed with symptoms consistent with H1N1 flu and thus is the first probable known case of the virus at Simpson. The health service nurses are working with the student to attend to any specific health care needs.

Based on the most current information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the spread of the 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Most people who have become ill with this new virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.

We recommend you go to Simpson's Influenza Information Web site that can be accessed through the health service web page at http://www.simpson.edu/health/. That site will provide information and an "Influenza Illness Report Form" that a student should fill out and submit electronically if she/he exhibits any symptoms of influenza.

Because the H1N1 virus is contagious, we expect more members of the campus community will be infected in the weeks ahead. We encourage all members of the campus community to practice preventive behaviors detailed below that are recommended by public health officials to minimize the spread of the flu virus and to become familiar with the signs and symptoms.

You are the biggest factor in determining the prevention of the spread of flu.

Here is what you can do to prevent the flu:

  • Do wash your hands with soap and water frequently; especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-Based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Do 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 sleeve, not your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Do know the signs and symptoms of the flu: a fever of 100 degrees or greater with a cough or sore throat. Additional symptoms may include a runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Some have experienced vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Do get a flu shot for the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. Flu Shot Clinics will be held on campus this fall. Watch for campus wide announcements.
  • Do keep your space clean.
  • Additional sources of information include: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ and http://www.simpson.edu/health/

If you experience flu or flu-like symptoms:

  • Stay home or in your room. Contact Simpson Health Service either through the Web illness report form found at http://www.simpson.edu/health/ or by telephone at 961-1604. After normal business hours for the college health service office, resident students can contact the residence life duty phone at 515-249-0389.
  • Students may also want to contact their family health care provider.
  • The majority of individuals who contract the virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. Antiviral medicines are not given to all people during flu season because most people get better on their own. Contact our physician if you have questions about treatment with antivirals.
  • If you are pregnant or of you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart/lung problems or a weakened immune system you should consult your physician.
  • Practice self-isolation:
    • If practical, residential students should return home to recover.
    • If travel is not feasible, ill students should remain in their room. Health Services will supply a flu kit (disposable thermometers, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, salt for gargle, tissue, & mask) to support you as you recover.
    • You should be without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever- reducing medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) before returning to work or class.
    • Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently.

What should you do if your roommate is ill?

  • Limit your contact with your sick roommate and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet.
  • If close contact cannot be avoided, the ill roommate should wear a mask, if tolerable, when around others.
  • If the ill roommate is not able to leave the room we strongly encourage you to stay with a friend until the fever stage of the illness passes (2-3 days).

Faculty and staff who are ill should contact their supervisor to report they will not be coming to work. Unless seeking medical care, they should stay home and practice self-isolation.

Students and parents who have questions may contact the Student Development Office at 515-961-1592.

Thanks,
Jim Thorius
Vice President for Planning and Student Development

Last Updated: 9/10/09