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H1N1 Information Summary
Prepared by Tim Doyle, VP Student Affairs
The H1N1/flu of swine origin currently continues to spread, particularly in the state of Georgia. College-aged students are among the populations most likely to incur the disease due to lack of immunity and high sociability. The good news about this flu is that its mortality rate is at the low end of the spectrum (.4%, in a normal range of .25%--.6%). The greatest concern is that the mild mortality rates during a spring/summer flu season match the H1N1 “Spanish” Flu outbreak of 1918-19 with a 2.5% mortality rate emerging in the subsequent fall/winter season.
Here are the specific steps Oglethorpe follows and expects from individuals:
Education and Prevention
- Student Health has launched a campus-wide “Wash Your Hands” campaign focusing on high-traffic student areas.
- Bon Appetit is hand-sanitizing all patrons when they scan cards upon entrance.
- Student Health Director Cathy Grote has scheduled seasonal flu vaccinations for September 17th noon—4p.m. ($20) and September 23rd 11a.m.—2p.m. ($25). We anticipate H1N1 vaccinations in mid-October for higher-risk individuals (compromised immune systems, health care workers, pregnant women and under 25 years olds).
Care Giving and Physical Response
- Students with high temperatures (>100.5) and associated symptoms (sore throat, muscle aches, runny nose) should report by phone to Student Health (404-364-8413) and avoid additional interpersonal contact.
- Students should go home if possible and not return to campus until 24 hours after their last symptoms end without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Students who cannot go home will be housed in the former KA house with clean linens until 24 hours after their symptoms abate without medication.
- Boxed meals will be delivered to residential students who report flu-like symptoms to Student Health.
Levels of Response and Workplace Policy
- Students are prohibited from class until 24 hours after their last symptoms end without fever-reducing medication.
- Staff and faculty must contact HR in addition to their supervisor to report flu-like symptoms and should remain away from campus until 24 hours after their last symptoms abate without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- Self service food will be discontinued at the Dining Hall when a confirmed campus outbreak occurs and begins to spread.
- Cancelling classes, rescheduling events or closing the campus may be necessary as the situation unfolds.
- Ill faculty and staff must seek any treatment off campus.
Community Information and Communication
- The website will contain the above information.
- The PR Office will handle all media interactions.
- Further emails will go out to the entire community as needed.
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