Flu Update Parent letter November 10, 2009

November 10th, 2009

Dear Parents,

     It is my hope that this message finds you all well. There has been an increase in flu activity on the Bryant campus in the last two weeks. This is consistent with the spread in the community and colleges in our area. The students who have become ill to date have recovered and others newly ill are recovering. There have been no hospitalizations at this time. I am in contact daily with the department of Health and CDC. We follow the Rhode Island Department of Health Guidance for Higher Education recommendations for H1N1. The seasonal flu has not yet hit our area so we are to assume the flu we are seeing is the H1N1 virus. Throughout the summer and start to the academic year, we planned anticipating that we would be facing this. As part of this plan we established a H1N1 website that can be accessed from the Bryant home page. Here we regularly update with any new information to keep the Bryant Community aware of what is going on. We established a very large prevention campaign including signage, purell dispensers through out the campus, Flu hot line, Table tents on all dining room tables, Axis slides throughout campus, flyers, classroom visits, dorm visits to educate the community. We have changed our phone system in Health Services to devote an entire line to flu calls so we can get their messages right away. And track illness.

     As a parent of three children away at college myself I certainly can understand your fears and concerns. Many of you have called or emailed me with these concerns. Please know that we are doing everything humanly possible to keep your child well, to be on top of what is going on, to provide them with all the education we can, to be available to meet their needs and following the recommendations the Rhode Island Department of Health has asked us.

     What we have asked the students to do is the following:

If they are ill they should call Health service to let us know. They will be asked what their symptoms are and if they have any underlying health problems. At that time they will be offered an appointment or advice which ever is appropriate for the situation. If they come to health services they are examined. They are advised to go home to their family if they are able to by means of private transportation. The reason for their going home is for their protection. To go home where someone can watch them, allow them to get the sleep they need and prevent them from picking up something else on top of this that may be circulating on campus. If they are not able to go home we ask them to self isolate in their room as recommended by the Department of health. They are given instructions to not go to class, the dining hall, athletic event or social events. They are given a survival pack which includes a thermometer, mask, Ibuprofen or Tylenol, fluids, soup, jello, crackers and other things as well as instructions how to take care of themselves and when to follow up. The student is asked to notify you and email all of their professors that they will not be in class. We ask them to stay at least 6 feet from their roommates, constantly clean hard surfaces in their rooms, not share glasses or food, throw used tissue immediately into receptacle. The roommate has been already exposed being that they were contagious prior to having any symptoms. The student is asked if they are feeling like eating more then what we have given them to give their ID to someone to take to the dining hall to bring back food to them. The student is asked to follow-up with us either by phone or visit.

    

    

     Health services hours are Monday- Friday 8:30am- 4:30 pm and Saturday 10:00 - 2:00. We have extended hours on a daily basis as the needs of students have warranted. If they become ill after hours they are instructed to call DPS and an EMT will go to their room to evaluate their situation. If they are stable they are advised to call Health services in the morning as well as DPS will leave us a message to follow up with them in the morning as well. If needed they will be transported to the Emergency room. Someone is on call for them 24 hours a day.

     We have been told we will be receiving the H1N1 Flu mist vaccine early December. There will also be at that time the injectable vaccine for high risk students who cannot receive the mist. We do not have a specific date and will be notified with very short notice when that date will be. We will then notify students on our website that they will need to go online and register for the vaccine. It will be free of charge.  I know this brings frustration because many of you live in other states where the vaccine has already been given to colleges but each state was allowed to distribute the vaccine the way they felt best to reach the most needed.

     Other areas parents have called about that I would like to address are the following.

What are the exact numbers of flu? I cannot give an exact or even close to reality number for you. Many students do not call in either because it was mild and they recovered quickly, or they went directly home or are afraid to call because we will tell them to not go to class. We can only report those numbers they we see or have been called into us. As some become ill others improve so it is not all sick at one time.

How many have to be sick before closing school? It is not recommend that schools close. As long as we are able to continue the mission of the university we will remain open. It is a pandemic so it has spread throughout the entire world therefore closing would not help.

Is there a test for H1N1? There is a DNA test for H1N1 which is the only reliable test. This is reserved for hospitalized patients or terminally ill. The tests that emergency rooms and physicians offices have are for Influenza A or B. Initially it was thought to be a tool to use, if you were positive for A then you probably had H1N1. However the CDC has cautioned us all against using this because it was found in some of the deaths that they had tested negative and yet had H1N1. So be careful when you are told someone can test or that your test was positive or negative.  Not a true test. With that said we do happen to be a US CDC sentinel site. This means that all year long and for many years now we do random testing (three a week) for patients that fit specific criteria. This is unrelated to Bryant. It was in doing this testing that we were able to know immediately when H1N1 hit our campus and that it was not seasonal flu. So there is no regular testing for H1N1.

     I hope that I have answered many of your questions. It is with deep sincerity that I tell you we do care about your son/daughter very much and truly want them to succeed here at Bryant. We are doing everything we can to successfully get through this time of illness. Please when speaking with your son/daughter refer them to our website, review with them the plan as above and remind them of taking care of themselves.

     Thank you for your time. Stay well.

                                              Susan Curran MSN FNP-BC

                                              Director of Health Services

                                              Bryant University


H1N1 Update November 4, 2009

November 4th, 2009

This week there has been a significant amount of flu activity on campus and throughout the nearby community.

WHAT TO DO IF ILL

If you become ill do not go to class, sports practices or games, the dining hall or anywhere else where others are gathered. We are seeing ill students with the flu and high fevers still saying that they had to go do a presentation or they couldn't miss their game. You must protect yourself and others. Call Health Services so we know that you are ill and can make sure that you are doing what you need to do and have what you need to have. We are strongly recommending that you go home to your family if you are ill so someone can watch your progression and make sure you are not becoming more ill. If you cannot go home we need to know you are staying in your room so we can check on you.

Check your temperature regularly, if it remains elevated while taking medication you should see a medical provider. If you are ill and know that you have health problems such as asthma, diabetes, immuncompromised, heart problems or any other illness that your doctor has said puts you at high risk then seek medical attention. You should take fever or pain reducing non aspirin products. Force fluids. You may not feel like eating but fluids are very important. Be alert to your breathing. If you are short of breath you should seek medical attention.

Email your professors that you have gone home ill. You do not need a doctor's note.

If you are up to eating meals, at this time we ask that you give your ID to a flu buddy to get food from the dining hall.

TAMIFLU

The CDC recommends this antiviral medication for hospitalized patients or patients who are at increased risk of serious flu complications due to chronic health problems that they have. This must be statrted within the first 24hrs of illness. Most healthy people recover without any medical treatment.

SICK ROOMMATE

If your roommate is sick with the flu and is in the room the CDC recommends trying to stay about six feet away from them. If this is not possible the ill person should wear a mask. You should constantly wash your hands, use disinfectants to clean hard surfaces in your room, clean your bathrooms with disinfectants regularly after use. Like most viruses the ill person was contagious even before any symptoms occurred. Avoid sharing cups or utensils. Avoid cleaning up used tissues of ill person. And most of all continue eating well, sleeping well, and taking good care of yourself.

Have on hand incase you become ill over the counter medicine for fever reducing, pain relief (not aspirin), Alcohol based hand sanitizers, tissues, thermometer (if you do not have one you can get one at health services), lots of fluids and soup.

VACCINATIONS

At this time there is no availability for anymore seasonal flu vaccine in our area

H1N1 vaccine is now anticipated for the first weeks in December on all college campuses in Rhode Island. We will notify you here on the website that it is coming and how to go on line to register. The CDC and Department of Health feel that this vaccine is safe and all should get it when it becomes available.

Tonight on Channel 6 and 10 at 7:00pm the Rhode Island Department of Health is showing a H1N1 special. Please also refer to the websites www.flu.gov and www.cdc/flu for further information.


H1N1 Flu update October 29,2009

October 29th, 2009

     This is to report that in the last few days across all college campuses in our area there has been an increase in H1N1 activity. Here at Bryant the cases have been spread out sporadically in the various residence halls and among our commuters. There is not a specific area more then others that have been hit. The recent news of serious cases in the surrounding community should prompt us all to be more vigilant of our hygiene and prevention methods. A reminder to all to report illness to Health Services so we know that you are ill. (401-232-6220). If you do have flu like symptoms and are getting worse, having trouble breathing, fever extending longer than 24-48 hours, you need to call for help. If you have started to feel better then start to feel ill again, this is another important time to get help. It is your social responsibility to not be around others when you are ill. You must help prevent the spread by not going to class, even if you have an important presentation or exam, and not go to the dining hall or social events if you have flu like symptoms.

     The H1N1 flu mist vaccine is expected on college campuses the last week in November, the first week of December. (Most likely now the first week of December) As soon as this can be confirmed we will notify you all. This vaccine is not for those considered at high risk due to health problems. You know who you are, please contact your specialist for flu vaccine information and availability to you. We will be getting some injectable vaccine but are unsure how soon that will be.

     The Rhode Island Department of Health and CDC are not recommending closure of schools at this time. This would not help the spread of disease because the well, perhaps just coming down with H1N1, would then be spreading it throughout other areas.

     The Rhode Island Department of Health will issue a written statement shortly and I will pass this onto you.


H1N1 Update Sunday October 25, 2009

October 25th, 2009

As you have heard this weekend on the news the Federal Government has declared the H1N1 virus spread a National Emergency. Please do not panic about this.  It was a proactive move on the governments' part to allow states some leeway in making appropriate judgments and changes to the previous guidelines they had set. This allows the states to readjust their plans for vaccination distribution. It allows hospitals and medical facilities to open alternative sites for medical care to enable all who need care to receive it if the hospitals become inundated with more patients then they can serve. This is a good thing for everyone. Although the spread in Rhode Island is now considered widespread, it has occurred in what we would consider to be the best scenario. Instead of everyone becoming ill at the same time it appears that some get ill and improve as others then become ill. Our advice is to continue all you can do about following preventative measures and continue to report cases of illnesses. In a few weeks we will begin to see the start of seasonal flu as well, so please take this time to sleep well, eat well, exercise, enjoy getting out in this beautiful Fall weather and do your best to stay away from sick people.


H1N1 Flu Update October 21, 2009

October 21st, 2009

     We have been impressed by the social responsibility you all have been showing when you haven't felt well. You are self-isolating in your room preventing others from getting ill as well as protecting yourself from picking up other illnesses because your resistance is low now. Most of you have been calling Health Services to let us know that you are ill so that we can make sure you have what you need. Those who are able to go home are doing so.  You are remembering to email your professors that you are truthfully ill and should not be in class. We will continue this prosess as long as you continue to be reponsible with this.  We appreciate the preventative measures that you have been taking to keep yourself well. The comments you have made tell us you are reading the web site.

     Those who have become ill have thus far recovered quickly.  We do continue to see flu activity on campus as well as other viruses and colds.  Health Services continues to have daily contact with the Department of Health and CDC.

     We are awaiting the H1N1 vaccine clinics..  The dates will be set by the State. When this is announced it will be a short notice. We therefore ask you to continually check the website for updates. When it is announced you will be asked to register on line. There will be no walk ins accepted because the company that will come in to do this will only have that many vaccines released to them at a time. There will be no cost to you. If you have BC/BS of RI or BC/BS PPO, United Health or state insurance you will be asked to provide that information on line so they can bill the insurance company. All others need not to worry.

     The vaccine will be a live Flu mist vaccine (not the injectable one) for all college age students under 25 years of age. The CDC has stated that the flu mist is safe.  You will be asked to stay for about 15 minutes after it is administered because it is the first time you are receiving this.

EXCEPTION: High risk students cannot receive this vaccine.

     Asthmatics on medication, Immunocompromised, Insulin Dependent Diabetics, or any other condition that your doctor has told you made you a high risk category patient.  These students should contact their Specialist for recommendations on where to get the injectable vaccine. We have applied for these doses but the sooner you can get it the better. Other states are handling the timeline distribution differently.

     You are all doing a great job. We will keep you updated. Any questions at all please call.


H1N1 Vaccine Distribution Plan

October 15th, 2009

 

H1N1 Vaccine Distribution Plan

Many of you have asked when the H1N1 vaccine will be available to the Bryant students. Below is the distribution plan from the Rhode Island Department of Health. Other states where you are from may have a different time frame for distribution so you are encouraged to check theirs as well. Please remember prevention and taking care of yourself is the best defense.

H1N1 Flu

The Rhode Island Department of Health will be receiving shipments of H1N1 vaccine beginning in October and continuing throughout this flu season. In total, CDC indicates that Rhode Island is estimated to receive more than 600,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine by the end of influenza season. Our goal is to vaccinate as many children and pregnant women first because they are two of the most vulnerable populations. HEALTH has planned for different populations to receive H1N1 vaccinations in specific locations. We urge Rhode Islanders to go to those locations for vaccination so that the most people can be vaccinated in the least amount of time.Based on the type and timing of vaccine deliveries from the federal government, the information below may change.

Pregant women    Mid October OB/GYN Offices

6mos - age 5         Mid October Pediactric Offices

School Age (K-12)Early November School based clinics

College/University Late November/Early December school based clinics

Household contacts of infants Early/Mid December

At risk young adults Early/Mid December

Healthcare workers/first responders Mid December

Healthy adults January


H1N1 Flu Update Monday October 13, 2009

October 13th, 2009

H1N1 Flu Update Monday October 13, 2009

Welcome back from the long weekend. We hope you rested, ate well and enjoyed the Fall weekend. Now that you are all back on campus and getting ready for busy times with midterms and projects and social events. I want to reinforce our advice on preventing the flu and keeping yourself well.

As the H1N1 and seasonal flu begin to spread you will more than likely become in contact with them. While you are still healthy there are preventative things you can do to help yourself even if you do come in contact with the viruses.

Frequent hand- washing "Hands - off- the- face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of your face. The nostrils and mouth/throat are the only portals of entry.

New advice: Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (or Listerine if you have it) H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate

and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling can prevent this growth. don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful prevention.

New advice: Clean your nostrils once a day. Blow your nose hard once a day and Swab both nostrils with warm salt water to bring down viral population.

Drink warm liquids often. This washes viruses from the throat into the stomach where they can't survive.

Boost your immune system, increase vitamin C, Zinc, eat well, sleep even if you feel like you don't have time too.

Stay away from sick people as much as possible. Good hygiene and clean your living space appropriately. If you use a tissue throw it away at once and wash your hands. Be diligent of your friends and how they are taking care of themselves.

If you become ill, fatigued, sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, headache, shortness of breath or stomach problems call Health Services for advice. 401-232-6220. If you are ill we will ask you to go home if you are able to or isolate in your room until you are 24 hours without a fever, this is when you would be most contagious. You can however have the flu without a fever.

We do have a limited supply of seasonal vaccine in Health Services if you have not gotten the vaccine and wish to do so.

As soon as the Rhode Island Department of Health allows us access to the H1N1 vaccine we will notify you.


H1N1 Flu Update October 8, 2009

October 8th, 2009

With the long weekend coming we ask that you take this break to rest, eat well and build up that immunity system. If you can go home, this is a good opportunity to do so. Use caution when traveling, continually wash hands, and avoid large crowds and sick people as much as possible. If you are staying on campus and develop cold, fever, sore throat, cough, body aches or other ill symptoms stay in your room. Drink plenty of fluids; check your temperature and rest. If you are short of breath or unable to drink fluids go to the emergency room. If you need assistance call Public Safety or Residence Life. Have a great weekend.


Flu Vaccine

October 2nd, 2009

For those of you who were not able to attend any of the seasonal flu vaccine clinics that were held on campus, it is still a good idea to get one. The following areas in our community still have clinics coming up.

     Target Pharmacy in Lincoln (accessible by BTA)

             10/17 12-4pm

             11/7 12-4pm

             cost $24.00 not accepting insurance

   Target Pharmacy in Smithfield

             10/10 12-4pm

             10/31 12-4pm

    CVS Pharmacy in Smithfield

            Daily online registration in store allows you to input your insurance


H1N1 Update September 30,2009

September 30th, 2009

We have received confirmation of H1N1 on campus. Of the cases reported all of the students have completely recovered.  At the present time H1N1 Flu symptoms are mild.  The CDC has expanded the definition of the flu.  Please see the following.

2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu: What To Do If You Get Sick

This flu season CDC expects the new 2009 H1N1 flu to cause illness, hospital stays, and deaths in the United States along with seasonal flu. This flyer has information about what to do if you get sick with the flu this season.

How do I know if I have the flu?

You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

fever *

cough

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

body aches

headache

chills

fatigue

sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

*Not everyone with flu will have a fever.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

However, some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season. They are:

Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old

People 65 and older

Pregnant women

People who have

Cancer•

Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)•

Chronic lung disease [including asthma or chronic obstructive • pulmonary disease (COPD)]

Diabetes •

Heart disease •

Kidney disorders•

Liver disorders•

Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord)•

Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and • multiple sclerosis)

Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS) •

Also, it's possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider.

There are emergency warning signs. Anyone who has them should get medical care right away.

What are the emergency warning signs?

In children

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Fever with a rash

In adults

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Severe or persistent vomiting

Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it

Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1?

Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called "antivirals." These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious flu complications. Your health care provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your illness. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

How long should I stay home if I'm sick?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.) You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

What should I do while I'm sick?

Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. And wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others. CDC has information on "Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home" on its website.

For more information, visit www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.