Update 6: August 27, 2009
As we prepare for the start of a new school year, there is much uncertainty about how this year’s flu season will unfold. The scientific and medical consensus is that we need to prepare for both the usual seasonal flu as well as the novel H1N1 flu (formerly called swine flu), and we must consider the possibility that the novel flu will undergo changes that make it more severe than what was generally experienced last spring. The purpose of this message is to share with you the steps that Moravian College has taken in preparation for a possible flu outbreak and also to discuss the steps that individuals should take to reduce the individual risk of illness.
Moravian College efforts
Although the College did not experience any novel flu cases last spring or over the summer, the administration takes very seriously the potential for a campus outbreak and will continue our close monitoring of the situation. The College Flu Preparedness Committee (FPC) reviews all pertinent guidance documents from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and is implementing recommendations to minimize viral spread. For example, the College is installing dispensers with sanitizing wipes and dispensers of alcohol-based hand sanitizer in many locations around campus.
Senior administrators are also reviewing a broad range of College operations in the light of the CDC guidances and, as appropriate, may bring forward additional recommendations. These may be oriented toward specific constituencies and may be focused on either maintaining operations in the face of a significant outbreak or reducing transmission of the virus. The FPC will update you as recommendations are developed.
When the vaccine for seasonal flu becomes available, the College Health Center anticipates being able to administer doses, as in the past. (Distribution points for vaccine against the novel flu have not yet been determined, but may be through local health departments and will be in accordance with the priority schedule established by federal authorities.)
What you can do
Your efforts will be critical in keeping Moravian College healthy! Here are some basic steps that you can take.
Observe good health and hygiene
- Wash your hands often. When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Do not share water bottles, cosmetic applicators, and other items that may be readily contaminated with viruses.
- If possible, avoid close contact with people who are sick. However, if you have been exposed to or are caring for someone with flu-like symptoms, you should still come to work or to class. But, since you may be incubating the flu, please maintain a distance from others, cover your coughs, and avoid sharing personal items.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Recognize flu symptoms
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting
Students with some or all of these symptoms should see the College Health Center, located at Hillside 5. The Health Center is open M-F 8 am to 12:30 pm and 2 to 4 pm. Students who become ill when the Health Center is closed may either visit
St. Luke’s North Walk-In Center at 153 Brodhead Road, Bethlehem (610 954-3000, open weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. and weekends between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.)
OR
Go to the emergency room at St. Luke’s Hospital, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, which treats emergency cases 24 hours a day.
(Note: Students are responsible for fees incurred in either location.)
Employees and evening students should contact their personal healthcare provider.
Stay home when sick
- Do not come to work or class or attend meetings or social gatherings when you have flu-like symptoms. Your colleagues, co-workers, classmates, and friends will not appreciate your coughing and sneezing around them.
- If you develop flu symptoms while at work or in class, distance yourself from others until you can go home.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hand. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Stay home for 24 hours after the fever is completely gone (gone without the use of “fever relievers”).
Take advantage of vaccines
- Flu viruses (both seasonal and novel) spread most rapidly within communities where many people lack immunity. This year, separate vaccines will be needed for seasonal and novel flu, and novel flu may require more than one shot to stimulate immunity.
- When vaccines become available, if you are in an eligible category and have no contraindications (for example an allergy to eggs), consider becoming vaccinated. Vaccination can protect you and can slow the spread of infection within the community, thereby protecting unvaccinated members.
If there is a flu outbreak in our community
- The FPC will update you with more specific recommendations. These may vary depending on the extent of the outbreak and the severity of illness.
- If you have medical risk factors for more serious flu illness (e.g. chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, obesity, pregnancy), discuss this now with your personal physician.
For further information
Please continue to monitor the Moravian College Flu webpage or AMOSfor updates on Moravian College’s flu preparedness.
Mary S. Sek, CRNP, Coordinator of Health Services
Florence C. Kimball,Ph.D.
Chair, Flu Preparedness Committee
