Current Influenza-Like Illness Activity at Wesleyan

Rates of cases influenza-like illness (ILI) (fever >100 F with cough and or sore throat absent a competing diagnosis) on campus have declined over the past few weeks.  We have identified over 200 cases since the beginning of the semester.  Our peak day for diagnoses was 10/18/09.  We are currently identifying an average of 3 cases per day.  Of these, we estimate that one quarter to one third have H1N1.  Many of these students have recovered within a few days and most have recovered within a week, although some remain achy and fatigued for a few days to a week or more after the cough and fever resolve.  We have had several cases of secondary pneumonia, but no other known complications and no hospitalizations. There are currently 16 active cases of which two are in relocation housing.

Please review previous postings for more detailed review of our planning and management.

Current H1N1 Vaccine Program at Wesleyan

We continue to work closely with state and local health officials to expedite and optimize vaccine delivery.  We have obtained a supply of the H1N1 vaccine in injectable form and have run several clinics targeting students at high risk for complications of H1N1 (as defined below). One hundred six students have been vaccinated thus far.  Qualifying students who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to call 860.685.2470 during business hours to schedule vaccination.

Per the most recent State of Connecticut recommendations, we will be offering H1N1 vaccine to Wesleyan employees at high risk for complications of H1N1 (as defined below).  These WALK IN clinics are scheduled for Friday, November 20 from 1-5 and Tuesday, November 24 from 10-2 at the Davison Health Center.  Please contact Joyce Walter with questions at 860-685-2656 or jwalter@wesleyan.edu. More clinics will be scheduled as vaccine is obtained.

We continue to advertise local public H1N1 vaccine clinics.  There will be a clinic Sunday, November 22 from 3-8 pm in Middlefield at which nasal spray vaccine will be administered to qualified recipients.  More details will be provided in a forthcoming campus-wide email.  A transportation plan is in development.  Wesleyan students are considered qualifying residents.  Clinic participants must be 2 – 24 years of age in good health, or healthy 18 – 49 year-olds who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, or are health-care workers (including school nurses) or emergency medical personnel (license required) who are in good health. Persons aged 25 – 64 who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications are also eligible.

Questions may be addressed to:

Joyce Walter, Director, Davison Health Center  jwalter@wesleyan.edu

Davis Smith, Medical Director , Davison Health Center pdsmith@wesleyan.edu

To qualify for the vaccine currently available at Wesleyan you must be:

A Wesleyan student or employee 17-64

AND

Pregnant

OR

Diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

Cancer

Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)

Chronic lung disease [such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

Diabetes

Heart disease

Kidney disorders

Liver disorders

Neurological disorders (such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain or spinal cord injuries, moderate to profound intellectual disability [mental retardation] or developmental delay)

Neuromuscular disorders (such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)

Weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV or AIDS or who are on medications that weaken the immune system)

It is important to remember that per CDC and Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) guidelines we are not testing for H1N1. With the support of the CT DPH we did run several H1N1 tests earlier in the semester on high-probability students. These came back positive, confirming that we do have H1N1 on campus.  We treat all students with influenza-like illness as if they have H1N1.

Treatment for H1N1 comprises isolation, symptomatic care, prescription of anti-viral medications for patients at high risk of complication and further medical evaluation for those warranting it. Per CDC and CT DPH guidelines we are doing as much of this diagnosis over the phone as possible.  This limits spread of infection by keeping sick people away from well people.

We also continue to see students with other illnesses, many of them viral, as well as other conditions for which a period of recuperation (possibly to include time off from classes, sports, etc.) is prudent.

We are working closely with state and local officials in charge of distributing H1N1 vaccine. We do not yet have vaccine on campus. Once it is available to us we will communicate our distribution plan to the campus community. People, especially those at high risk of complications from influenza, that have access to the vaccine from other sources should avail themselves of the opportunity to be vaccinated.  We continue to strongly urge vaccination against seasonal flu.

We have been advised that on Thursday, October 29, 2009 there will be an H1N1 vaccine clinic at the Middletown Town Hall. This clinic is by appointment only and will offer the nasal mist vaccine to individuals aged 2-24 in good health.  Supply is limited. To make an appointment for vaccination call:  (860) 344-3474.

We have no more campus-wide seasonal flu vaccine clinics scheduled. We did vaccinate 908 students and 524 faculty/staff during the clinics we ran. Local pharmacies do have supply of seasonal flu vaccine for those that missed our clinics.

Our call volume has been very high. So that we can sustain the high level and quality of service on which we pride ourselves, we urge students to use consideration with regard to timing of calls.  We are best staffed between 9 and 4 on weekdays. We always have a doctor on call for true emergencies. Students whose main concern is a fever or flu-like symptoms and whose fevers can be controlled with fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are asked to consider waiting until morning to advise us of their status.

Update regarding vaccine distribution, FAQs about H1N1 “Swine Flu” in general and locally, and more information from the Connecticut Department of Public Health can be found here.

We have held two clinics for the seasonal influenza vaccine and 600 students have thus far been vaccinated. The third flu clinic is Tuesday, October 13 fro 4-7 p.m. in Usdan 108. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to come for vaccination. More information is available here. There will be a faculty/staff only clinic on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The currently available seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1. However, it is especially recommended for college students this year. We also want to avoid students contracting both types of flu at the same time, and in general, want to give them as much protection from as many kinds of flu as we can.

Current information is that the H1N1 vaccine will become available in early October. We do not have final details yet as to who will be targeted for the vaccine or how many doses will be available. Once that information is available, we will communicate it to the campus community.

We continue to urge all in the Wesleyan Community to follow flu-prevention behaviors, including the frequent washing of hands. Also, if you believe you have contracted flu (symptoms are listed here), please arrange a visit to a physician or the Davidson Health Center for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Further questions should be directed to:

Joyce Walter, Director, Davidson Health Center: jwalter@wesleyan.edu

Davis Smith, Medical Director, Davidson Health Center: pdsmith@wesleyan.edu

As of this writing, we have no known cases of H1N1 on this campus.  We expect that we will have cases soon and that H1N1 will be an issue this semester and likely the whole of the academic year.  Because most cases thus far have been equivalent to seasonal flu in terms of intensity, we expect the impact it causes to be manageable.  We have a solid plan in place which is well supported at all levels of the university.

We have compiled a set of recommendations for H1N1 mitigation in frequently asked questions format and published them online at emergencymanagement.blogs.wesleyan.edu. We will update this website as new information becomes available.

More detailed information about H1N1 is available at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, and www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch.

How does H1N1 spread?

Like other flu viruses, novel H1N1 influenza spreads from an ill person to others mainly through coughing or sneezing.

What are the symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms of the flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Influenza-like illness is defined as a fever plus cough and/or sore throat.  Some people with influenza will not have fever.  Absence of fever does not mean absence of infection.  If in doubt, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms.  Students are encouraged to call the Davison Health Center flu line (860) 685-2653 Monday-Friday 9-4 and the 24-hour line (860) 685-2470 at other times.

How is H1N1 diagnosed?

Current practice guidelines per CDC and the Connecticut Department of Public Health are for clinical diagnosis of H1N1 infection.  Testing is being reserved for hospitalized and severely ill patients and for investigation of local outbreaks.  The diagnosis of H1N1 will be made on the basis of symptoms and physical exam findings.  Influenza-like illness is defined as a fever of 100° F [37.8° C] or greater plus cough and/or sore throat.  Some people with influenza will not have fever.  Absence of fever does not mean absence of infection. In many cases, the diagnosis may be able to be made over the telephone.  The criteria for diagnosis are deliberately broad.  Some people will meet these criteria and turn out not to have H1N1.  In the interest of public health and per recommendations, we will treat people who meet these criteria as if they have H1N1 until they meet the clearance criteria which are absence of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.

Is anyone at special risk of complications from H1N1 infection?

Pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.  Speak with your health care provider and determine whether or not you qualify as high risk of complications from H1N1 infection.

How can transmission of H1N1 be controlled?

The four main tools available at this time are hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, routine cleaning and self-isolation of those who are ill.

Hand hygiene

Influenza may spread via contaminated hands or inanimate objects that become contaminated with influenza viruses.  CDC recommends that students, faculty, and staff wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners may also be effective.  Soap, paper towels and sanitizers are critical for proper hand hygiene and are available throughout the campus.  The number and location of waterless hand sanitizer dispensers is being reviewed and augmented with a goal toward having them at all key traffic points.

Questions or concerns about cleaning or sanitation issues related to H1N1 may be directed to controlH1N1@wesleyan.edu.

Visit: www.cdc.gov/cleanhands for more information on hand hygiene.

Respiratory etiquette

Influenza viruses are thought to spread mainly from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes.  This can happen when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose or are inhaled by people nearby.  CDC recommends:

• covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• throwing the tissue in the trash after use
• wash hands promptly after coughing or sneezing
• if a tissue is not immediately available, coughing or sneezing into one’s arm or sleeve (not into one’s hand) is recommended

Visit www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm for more information on respiratory etiquette.

Routine cleaning

CDC recommends frequent cleaning of bathrooms and other frequently used areas, and provision of adequate supplies of soap and paper towels.  We have reviewed and adjusted campus cleaning schedules in accordance with these recommendations.  These recommendations have been reviewed in detail with Physical Plant and appropriate training and supplies are being provided to housekeeping staff.  Students living together should regularly clean frequently used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.

Self isolation

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

Is there a vaccine against H1N1?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.  A vaccine is currently in production, and initial doses of this vaccine are expected to become available for the public later in the fall.  CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it first becomes available.

These initial target groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people age 6 months through 24 years, and people age 25 through 64 years who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk of complications from influenza.  Most college students are included in these initial target groups and should be among the first to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine.  We are working closely with state and local public health officials to develop a vaccine implementation plan.  We will update the community when this planning is completed.

What do you recommend about the regular flu vaccine?

We highly recommend students, faculty and staff younger than 30 obtain a regular flu vaccine as soon as possible.  We recommend that students, faculty and staff older than 30 wait and get the usual seasonal flu vaccine in mid-late October.  This is because younger people generate a more enthusiastic, longer lasting immune response and would maintain immunity all the way through to March even if they get the flu shot now.

As in previous years, we have scheduled large-scale vaccine clinics on campus. In keeping with the above recommendations, we have shifted the dates earlier this year as follows:

• Monday, September 21 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
• Wednesday, September 23 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
• Tuesday, October 13 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
• Saturday, October 17 from 10:00am to 1:00pm (faculty, staff and dependents only)

All clinics will be held in 108 Usdan.  The Visiting Nurse Association will bring at least 500 doses per clinic which is about 1,300 more doses than we have used in past years.   The cost to students will remain at $37 (no increase from last year) and faculty and staff that are Cigna eligible will get it for free as a benefit.

As a student, what do I do if I become sick while at school?

CDC recommends that individuals with influenza-like illness remain at home and away from other people until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.  Because we wish to limit transmission, we highly recommend that students leave campus if they develop a flu-like illness or stay off campus until they recover if they become ill while off-campus.  To this end, we recommend that students attempt to develop a plan to temporarily relocate to a local private home.  Ideally, students would get to this location by means other than public transportation.

Students who are unable to leave campus should remain in their own rooms and receive care and meals from a single person, if possible.  Some rooms are not conducive to self-isolation, particularly ones with common bathrooms shared by many other students.  We do have a plan to temporarily relocate some ill students to more appropriate housing, if this becomes necessary.  Ill students should limit their contact with others and, to the extent possible, maintain a distance of 6 feet from people with whom they share living space.  Students should identify a “flu buddy”, a designated caregiver if one or the other becomes ill.

Students with flu-like illness should notify their family and their Class Dean.  We encourage students to call the Davison Health Center flu line (860) 685-2653 Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm and the 24-hour line (860) 685-2470 at other times to discuss their illness, if appropriate, and especially if symptoms are severe or if they need to discuss relocation.  We strongly recommend that students call to discuss whether or not they are ready to discontinue self isolation.  We strongly encourage students with flu-like illness who feel they need medical care to call DHC or their other health care provider rather than arriving as a walk-in so as to limit spread to others.

Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm for more information on caring for sick people in the home.

As a member of the faculty or staff, what do I do if I become sick?

CDC recommends that individuals with influenza-like illness remain at home and away from other people until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.  Because we wish to limit transmission, we highly recommend that faculty and staff leave campus if they develop a flu-like illness or stay off campus until they recover if they become ill while off-campus.  Normal sick leave policies apply.

Faculty or staff that go or stay home due to flu-like illness should notify their direct supervisor and health care provider, preferably by telephone or email.  Questions for Human Resources may be directed to jhicks@wesleyan.edu or pmelley@wesleyan.edu.

Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm for more information on caring for sick people in the home.

What is the role of antiviral medications (Tamiflu)?

Current recommendations are to reserve these medications for those at high risk of complications of H1N1 as defined above.  Local availability of these medications may be limited.

What do I do if I am a close contact of someone who gets ill?

If close contact cannot be avoided, the person who is sick should wear a surgical mask during the period of contact.  A stock of such masks is being purchased and a distribution plan is in development.  Close contact, for the purposes of this document, is defined as having cared for or lived with a person with influenza-like illness or having been in a setting where there was a high likelihood of contact with respiratory droplets and/or body fluids of such a person.  Examples of close contact include kissing, sharing eating or drinking utensils, or having any other contact between people likely to result in exposure to respiratory droplets.  Close contact typically does not include activities such as walking by an infected person or sitting across from a symptomatic patient in a waiting room or office.

Current treatment recommendations do not include treatment for close contacts.  Those who have been close contacts of someone with influenza-like illness should monitor themselves for symptoms.  In the event symptoms develop, they should follow the above advice.

How long do we expect there to be special concern about H1N1?

After a novel influenza virus such as H1N1 passes through the population several times, sufficient community immunity develops that it begins to act more like a seasonal influenza.  This is the predicted course of events for this virus subtype.  However, it is still early in this pandemic and uncertainties remain.

Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

Joyce Walter, Director, Davison Health Center  jwalter@wesleyan.edu

Davis Smith, Medical Director, Davison Health Center  pdsmith@wesleyan.edu

Happily, H1N1 is mostly causing mild illness thus far.  Our goals are to limit both the number of cases on campus and the severity of the cases we have.  With that in mind, there are several important concepts we wish to communicate to students before their arrival on campus this year.

1.  If you are sick with a flu-like illness, please delay your return to campus until you have recovered.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that individuals with influenza-like illness remain at home and away from other people until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.  Influenza-like illness is defined as a fever plus cough and/or sore throat.  Symptoms of the flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people with influenza will not have fever.  Absence of fever does not mean absence of infection.  If in doubt, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms.  Students are encouraged to call the Davison Health Center (860) 685-2470.

If you do need to delay your return, please contact your Class Dean and Davis Smith, Medical Director, Davison Health Center pdsmith@wesleyan.edu.  Once you have recovered, we encourage you to call the Davison Health Center (860) 685-2470 to speak with a Nurse and review that you are well enough to return to campus.

2.  Discuss with your family a plan of action in the event you contract H1N1.

Because self-isolation is such a key component of infection control with a pandemic, we highly encourage those able to do so to leave campus for a few days if they become develop a flu-like illness as defined above.  We have contingency plans for sick students not able to leave campus.

3.  Determine whether you are at high risk of complications from H1N1 infection.

Pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this novel H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, and neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders.  Speak with your health care provider and determine whether or not you qualify as high risk of complications from H1N1 infection.

4.  Have on hand supplies to take care of yourself or others in the event of illness.

See the CDC’s guidelines for taking care of a sick person:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

5.  Stay informed.

We are preparing detailed information about H1N1 and Wesleyan’s response to this pandemic.  These will be posted to the Health Services website (www.wesleyan.edu/healthservices) in the next few days and kept updated.  We plan early distribution of seasonal influenza vaccine and hope to encourage wide uptake.  Once an H1N1 vaccine becomes available, we will notify students of distribution plans.  We stand ready to help Wesleyan students prepare for, prevent, manage and recover from H1N1 and any other health problem that may occur while they are on campus.

If you have additional questions, please contact:

Davis Smith, Medical Director, Davison Health Center  pdsmith@wesleyan.edu
Joyce Walter, Director, Davison Health Center  jwalter@wesleyan.edu

Health Services
860.685.2470
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 9:00am to 6:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Please continue to take everyday actions to stay healthy. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

We recommend that you periodically monitor the CDC website and the Emergency Management website. Future updates will be posted on the Emergency Management website and on the Health Center website unless circumstances dictate more direct communication.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its response to the novel H1N1 Flu outbreak. As of yesterday, 642 human infections with novel H1N1 flu have been confirmed in 41 states in the United States. As testing continues in many other states, more cases and more states are expected to be added. There have been two confirmed deaths in the US associated with the H1N1 virus to date.

For the most up to date and authoritative treatment of this issue, see the CDC website.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health website is found here.  

CDC’s goals continue to be to reduce transmission and illness severity and provide information to assist health care providers, public health officials and the public. To this end, CDC continues to develop and update interim guidance documents.

Local Activity

Four confirmed H1N1 cases have been reported in Connecticut. Earlier in the outbreak, tests were sent for several Wesleyan students. All of these have come back negative and the students have fully recovered. Because the case definition is currently so broad, several students have been advised to manage their illness as if they have H1N1, but we do not have reason for special concern about disease activity on campus.

Our colleagues at Amherst have managed multiple cases and all have done well with symptoms equal to or more mild than usual seasonal flu. See https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/health/service/flu for more information.

Current Case Definition

The working definition for Influenza-Like Illness is fever > 101 F (37.8 C) PLUS cough or sore throat.

The symptoms of this new H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.  This document (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm) summarizes symptoms and recommended preventive behaviors for the general public.  Recommendations include: contact avoidance, treatment options for the seriously ill, and how to recognize symptoms.

If you are a Wesleyan University student and think you meet these criteria, please call the Davison Health Center 860.685.2470 to discuss your symptoms with a health care provider.  It is preferable that you call rather than walk in so as not to risk exposing others in the waiting room.

Faculty and staff should contact their primary care providers. 

What can I do to prevent getting H1N1 (Swine flu)?
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Respiratory precautions at Davison Health Center (DHC)
In keeping with our established protocols and consistent with interim guidelines from the Middletown Department of Health, Wesleyan’s Davison Health Center has activated our Respiratory Hygiene Plan.

Any student entering the health center will stop at a station with hand sanitizer and tissues. Students with cough are asked to take a supply of tissues and cough into tissues and dispose of them. Clinical care providers will wear masks when evaluating students with cough and fever.

What if I have questions?
Questions may be directed to Davis Smith, Medical Director of Wesleyan University’s Davison Health Center (pdsmith@wesleyan.edu). He will respond as quickly as circumstances allow.

Any student with a fever AND cough or sore throat should CALL the Davison Health Center (860.685.2470) to discuss their symptoms and arrange evaluation and treatment as appropriate.  Faculty and staff meeting these criteria should contact their primary care provider.

Most reported cases remain mild.  The current focus is on identifying and treating suspected cases and their close contacts to limit spread.  Limiting contacts limits spread.  It is very important to follow the recommendation that those with a febrile respiratory illness stay home for 7 days or until symptoms have resolved for 24 hours, whichever is longest.

On the positive side, the New York Times reports that the outbreak in Mexico may be smaller than initially feared.  Only about half of cases tested so far turn out to actually be H1N1.  There still remains the question of why the illness has been so much more severe in Mexico.

WesWELL also suggests that to enhance your ability to ward off infection, try to stay in good general health.

• Get plenty of sleep
• Be physically active
• Manage your stress
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food

Wesleyan Resources

• Health Services
• Online Self Care Guide
• Infection Control @ Wes (Hand washing)
• Cold & Flu Prevention

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)

• H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Information
  • Key Facts
  • H1N1 Flu & You
  • Travel Health Precaution
• Cover Your Cough!
• Hand washing: An easy way to prevent infection

World Health Organization

• H1N1 Influenza A

Connecticut Resources

• Department of Public Health
• Public Health Preparedness & Response

Maps

• Click here for a map of documented cases at US institutions of higher education.
• Click here for an informal map of documented cases worldwide.

For the most up to date and authoritative treatment of this issue, see:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health website is:  http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/cwp/view.asp?a=2533&q=439092

Local Activity
Two probable swine flu cases have been reported in Connecticut.  Results of confirmatory testing are due in 1-2 days.

Current Case Definition
Fever >100°F (37.8°C) plus cough or sore throat AND a history of travel in the 7 days prior to symptom onset to areas with confirmed cases of swine flu.

If you are a Wesleyan University student and think you meet these criteria, please call the Davison Health Center (DHC) at 860.685.2470 to discuss your symptoms with a health care provider.  It is preferable that you call rather than walk in so as not to risk exposing others in the waiting room.

Faculty and staff should contact their primary care providers.

What can I do to prevent getting Swine flu?
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.  If you get sick, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

Are there any travel recommendations?
CDC is advising against non-essential travel to Mexico at this time.  No other travel restrictions have been promulgated.  However, because of the travel component of the case definition, it may be advisable not to travel off campus, especially not to known areas of activity, until more is known about the outbreak.

Respiratory precautions at DHC
In keeping with our established protocols and consistent with interim guidelines from the Middletown Department of Health, Wesleyan’s Davison Health Center has activated our Respiratory Hygiene Plan.

Any student entering the health center will stop at a station with hand sanitizer and tissues.  Students with cough are asked to take a supply of tissues and cough into tissues and dispose of them.  Clinical care providers will wear masks when evaluating students with cough.

What if I have questions?

Questions may be directed to Davis Smith, Medical Director of Wesleyan University’s Davison Health Center (pdsmith@wesleyan.edu).  He will respond as quickly as circumstances allow.