H1N1 Update – 10/26/09

Dear students:

The spread of the flu virus has become a reality on Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s campus. The state of Ohio has confirmed that it is one of the top states hit so far. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to symptoms of the seasonal influenza (flu) and include sudden onset of high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and/or fatigue. Other symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting.

MVNU’s Senior Leadership Team has been working diligently and meeting weekly to get updates and work on a game plan to deal with potential outbreak of this contagious flu virus. As most of you heard, the doctors and hospitals are no longer testing for the H1N1 virus. They are testing for Influenza “A” and treating it as H1N1 if the test comes back positive.

MVNU has had a number of students with flu-like symptoms since returning from break. Students who develop sudden fever or flu-like symptoms should stay in their room and call the Student Health Services office (after hours call RHA’s). Please be sure to report all illnesses to assist with the awareness of this virus at MVNU. This will help prevent transmission of the virus. You can do your part by knowing the facts and taking preventive measures. Our Communications Department has been sending out updates and has updated our Web site with preventive measures. I encourage you to read the site to find pertinent information that may help you.

If you have any questions in regard to the flu, please contact Student Health Services (ext. 4632) or Student Development (ext. 4602). In the meantime, we will continue to send out any updates, reminders, and health tips.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Stay healthy and call us if you begin to develop these symptoms.

Denise Smith, R.N.
Coordinator of Student Health Services
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Student Health Services (740-397-9000; ext. 4632)
Counseling Services (740-397-9000; ext. 4610)

H1N1 Update – 10/12/09

BE SMART. TAKE CARE. STAY HEALTHY.

As we approach mid-term break, MVNU maintains ongoing efforts and activities in regard to prevention of the H1N1 flu virus. We want to keep you informed so you can continue to make educated decisions about your health.

• MVNU is very grateful that, to date, we have experienced only one “probable” case of H1N1. We encourage you to keep up healthy habits by washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, practicing social distancing and self-isolation if you are experiencing symptoms.

• Thank you to Pioneer College Caterers for purchasing hands-free sanitizer stations. These are available on either side of the cafeteria entrance, and we encourage you to use them. This is a wonderful investment Pioneer is making at each of the colleges it serves.

• Facilities Services is working with Student Development to have hand sanitizers wall mounted at some of MVNU’s high traffic areas. Additionally, they are working extra hard to thoroughly sanitize all areas throughout the fall and winter months.

• MVNU and Kenyon College officials have met and are collaborating in efforts to maintain awareness, educate students, and learn from one another as we navigate this process together.

• The seasonal flu vaccine is available currently at the Knox County Health Department and at local pharmacies. Preparations are taking place in anticipation of the arrival of the H1N1 flu vaccines later this fall.

• Student Development staff continues to receive daily updates from the Centers for Disease Control and our local Knox County Health Department about the status of the H1N1 virus and future steps MVNU should take if necessary.

• RAs and RDs continue to meet with students and remind them of prevention methods and healthy living practices.

Key FAQs are answered here: Columbus Dispatch article: “What you need to know about H1N1” (Sunday, Oct. 4)

The following are free resources from Student Health 101 Magazine:
Facts about H1N1
Preventing the spread of H1N1
View Student Health 101 Magazine

If you ever have questions about symptoms, how you are feeling, or steps to take when ill, please CALL or E-MAIL Denise Smith in Student Health Services (ext. 4632) before visiting the SHS office. After hours, contact your Resident Director.

You can expect to receive the “Emergency U” newsletter by e-mail in early November! In the meantime, you can find all H1N1 campus updates on the Safety Information section of MVNU’s web site: www.mvnu.edu/crisis.