PUBLICATIONS

H1N1 Influenza Response Plan

To the Dordt community:

This website serves as a communication venue to update you on the college's interventions regarding the H1N1 flu virus (also known as swine flu), formally called novel H1N1 pandemic influenza in the medical community.

For many years, Dordt has had emergency plans in place to address wide-ranging campus issues and health concerns. We have extended these preparedness efforts in order to respond to the H1N1 pandemic. Our emergency response team (which consists of representatives from campus health, registrar, vice president for business affairs, associate provost for co-curricular programs, computer services, maintenance, president's office, residence life, and public relations) has received regular input from local and state public health officials.

Novel H1N1 pandemic flu is widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flus. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults because those who are younger than 50 years of age have not yet had contact with a similar type of this virus.

Cases of novel H1N1 have already appeared on most college campuses. We expect to see more cases this fall, consistent with what is happening in public communities. We strongly encourage all members of the Dordt community to take the standard precautions adopted during the flu season and to play an active role in our public health prevention efforts.

Classes and Activities

Classes and other activities at Dordt will open as scheduled this semester. The emergency response team will monitor the campus situation, working with the local and state health officials, and make recommendations regarding changes in or cancelations of campus activities on the basis of any flu outbreak. The provost will make any decisions regarding the cancelation of classes. Any such decision will be communicated broadly to faculty, students, and staff through email and other communications.

Public Health Precautions

It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:

Treatment and Response

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent students from returning to class.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or campus health services to see if Tamiflu is needed.

Medication and Vaccinations

Generally, Tamiflu is prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition (as listed above, under Treatment and Response), or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours.

Fall 2009 Influenza Vaccines:

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Clinic: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all students get vaccinated for seasonal influenza. This year's on campus Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Clinic is anticipated to be held in September. The vaccine will be offered in conjunction with the local Public Health Department. Information on date, location, and cost will be publicized as details are finalized.

Novel H1N1 Vaccine Clinic: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for being among the first to receive the H1N1 vaccine. The local Public Health Department will be on campus to provide the vaccination to students. Recent information has indicated that the vaccination will be a 2 dose series. The vaccine is anticipated to be available mid to late October.

Additional Information

More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following websites:

Student and parents who have questions may contact the office of the associate provost for co-curricular programs: (712) 722-6076.

Thank you for your efforts to keep all members of the Dordt community in good health. Although we cannot eliminate the spread of this virus, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and overall impact.

Sincerely,

Bethany J. Schuttinga
Associate Provost for Co-Curricular Programs