August 20, 2009
Re: Upcoming Flu Season
As we embark on a new academic year, it is important to remind everyone of things we all can do to protect ourselves, our colleagues, and the Reed community from the risk of influenza.
As you may have read in the press, the H1N1 strain of influenza (a.k.a. "Swine Flu") continues its pandemic spread. The severity of illness caused by this strain is similar to that of seasonal influenza, but it is highly contagious. This flu season we expect that both the H1N1 strain and seasonal flu strains will be circulating at the same time. There is potential for a large increase in the usual number of flu cases. This is why this year it is especially important that you follow these guidelines:
- Get vaccinated for seasonal influenza as soon as the vaccine becomes available. We will notify students when the vaccine becomes available through the health & counseling center (HCC). Human resources (HR) will provide updates for staff and faculty members. As usual, the Office of the President will pay for the full cost of inoculations.
- Follow guidelines for vaccination with H1N1 vaccine. These guidelines are still under development. (NOTE: this is not the same as the seasonal flu vaccine.) The HCC and Reed’s emergency response team are monitoring the situation and will provide updates on vaccination strategy as soon as possible.
- Stay home if you become ill with fever and cough. Protect your fellow classmates, faculty, staff, and all Reed community members. Do not attend classes or come to work when you are ill. Faculty members and supervisors are aware of this recommendation and understand the importance of missing class or work under such conditions. We are currently working on plans to provide facilities to isolate students with flu symptoms.
- Practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette. This means that you should frequently wash your hands with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoid touching your face, and always cover your nose and mouth with tissue or a cloth when you cough or sneeze.
- If you are a student and you have severe influenza-like illness, have been exposed to a confirmed H1N1 case, or are at increased risk of influenza complications (e.g. if you have underlying medical problems or might be pregnant), call the HCC at 503/777-7281 to make an appointment. If you are experiencing any symptoms that are of concern to you or if you want to be assessed for any reason, the HCC will be happy to see you. Staff and faculty members should seek medical advice from their health care provider.
Additional treatment and prevention recommendations will be forthcoming as the flu season progresses. The HCC and Reed’s emergency response team will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when available.
Thank you, and we wish you all the best for a successful, productive, and healthy academic year.