The following is a memo sent to staff on Sept. 8

While H1N1 activity has been low in Vermont thus far, many colleges and universities across the nation are already seeing students affected by H1N1. The Center for Health and Wellbeing is a site for the Center for Disease Control's influenza surveillance; while we have not confirmed a case of H1N1, we have seen a small number of students who have symptoms compatible with influenza.

We're writing to give you a sense as to how we believe H1N1 may affect our campus in the coming months and to let you know the steps we're taking to address some of the challenges this virus may create. An important resource for you in the weeks and months to come is the University's emergency website: www.uvm.edu/emergency.

Background

The University has engaged in planning for a pandemic event for over three years. Since last April, the University's Emergency Operations Group (EOG) has met weekly to address the challenges posed by this pandemic. The EOG has also utilized the resources of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and a strong working relationship with the Vermont Department of Health to insure that we take steps necessary to optimize the health of our campus community and assure the continuity of University operations.

About H1N1

For specific information about this flu strain and its origin/history, please go to the website. It is important to note:

Who is affected: Children and young adults (college age) contract H1N1 at higher rates than is noted in a typical influenza outbreak.
Symptoms: Cough, runny nose, body aches, sore throat, fever, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Transmission: Two to three times more easily than is seasonal influenza.
Contagious: Approximately one day before developing symptoms until 24 hours after fever resolves
Who is at risk: Among college-age individuals, those at higher risk of severe illness from H1N1 include those who fall into one of the following groups:

• Pregnant women
• Those who have chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders. This includes those who have a history of asthma.
• Those who are immunosuppressed, including those on certain medications or who have AIDS.

What To Expect

• We expect H1N1 will be confirmed on campus early in the semester
• We may see absentee rates among students, staff, and faculty that range up to 30%.
• Note about students: Most students will deal very well with the virus and will not need to see a clinician, and we are asking our medical staff at the Center for Health and Wellbeing to focus their efforts on evaluating and treating students who are at higher risk for complications from the virus as a result of an underlying medical condition.
• While it is possible that schedules for a particular class may change for a brief period of time as a result of student or faculty illness, we do not expect to suspend classes at the University.

What can I do to prevent getting H1N1?

• Use a tissue or cough into your sleeve if a tissue is not available because the virus is spread by droplets (which can land on surfaces and remain alive for two hours),
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or a hand sanitizer
• Keep your hands away from your face
• Seriously consider getting vaccinated for the regular seasonal flu! Seasonal flu vaccine clinic(s) will be offered on campus for employees and retirees who have a Blue Cross/Blue Shield or MVP University Health Plan at a cost of $10. The dates, times, and locations for the clinic(s) will be widely publicized soon. Dependents and spouses as well as employees who have waived a University health plan or are otherwise ineligible for coverage under a University health plan will need to get their vaccine from their primary care provider. The H1N1 vaccine may be primarily targeted for individuals up to age 24. We will insure that you receive detailed information about how to receive the vaccine if it becomes available and advisable.

If You Become Ill with the Flu

If you develop symptoms of influenza:

• Stay home for 24 hours after your fever returns to normal (without the use of medications which reduce fever).
• Obtain adequate rest and use medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to relieve symptoms.
• Follow University procedures and requirements for faculty medical absences and leaves.
• If you have questions or need advice, please call your primary care physician, particularly if you have an underlying medical condition.

What Should I Do About Work if I Become Ill?

• Follow standard practices for notifying your supervisor and using sick leave allowances. If you do not have sick leave time accrued, we strongly encourage you to bank sick leave hours now so you have some available if/when you become ill.
• You may want to consider what you will do if large numbers of staff in your office are absent due to illness, especially around important deadlines and heavy workload periods.
• Note about students: The Center for Health and Wellbeing does not give notes to students for the purpose of documenting illness for work or classes. While this is a standing policy, the emergence of H1N1makes it especially important that the Center devote its resources fully to meeting the needs of students at higher risk from this virus.

What if Someone in My Immediate Family Becomes Ill?

• You most likely have already been exposed since individuals are contagious for about a day before they become ill.
• Minimize the likelihood of contracting the virus by washing your hands frequently and not sharing eating or drinking utensils.
• Maintain a distance of three feet from the affected individual –this may help minimize the chances of getting the infection.
• If you have questions or need advice, please call your primary care physician, particularly if you or the affected family member has an underlying medical condition.

Are Masks Helpful in Preventing the Spread of the Virus?

This is not really necessary. We have no indication that surgical masks reduce the risk of infection when worn in public areas. It is quite possible that the measures suggested above — use of a tissue and frequent hand washing along with not sharing utensils — are the most practical approaches available to us.

What Can I Do Now?

• Stay informed. This situation is changeable, and maintaining an awareness of new developments is important. The University's emergency web site (http://www.uvm.edu/~emergncy/) is an excellent place to start. Watch your email for campus notices and read them when they appear.
• Don't worry more than you need to. The vast majority of individuals deal with this virus very well without a visit to the doctor.
• Educate yourself about prevention. Receive an immunization against seasonal influenza and H1N1. Wash your hands frequently and use a tissue or cough into your sleeve.
• If you become ill, stay away from class and other public spaces until you have been free of fever for twenty-four hours. Seek advice from your primary are physician if needed.
• If students become ill: The Center for Health and Wellbeing (656-3350) if needed. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm and on Saturday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm. When the office is closed, students may call for advice at the number listed above at any hour.
• Consider purchasing care items such as hand sanitizer, a thermometer and ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help treat symptoms should you become ill.

What's Next?

We are committed to keeping the campus community informed about important news and events related to this pandemic, and we'll be in regular communication via email and the website as the situation warrants. More detailed information and Frequently Asked Questions and corresponding answers will be available soon on the H1N1 flu website. This site also contains an email address (pandemicresponse@uvm.edu) that you may use if you have specific questions or concerns.