From: Administrative E-Memo (memofrom@Colorado.EDU)
Date: Fri Sep 04 2009 - 22:07:02 MDT
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 2009 22:07:02 -0600 (MDT) From: Administrative E-Memo <memofrom@Colorado.EDU> Subject: Flu Update
TO: CU-Boulder students
FROM: Gary Chadwick, assistant vice chancellor for health and wellness
SENDER: Gary Chadwick, assistant vice chancellor for health and wellness
DATE: September 4, 2009
SUBJECT: Flu Update
Dear CU students:
As of Friday, we have confirmed four cases of H1N1 and identified 85
probable H1N1 cases among CU-Boulder students based on positive test results
for Influenza A. These numbers, which we know are of concern to parents and
families, do not include the students who are seeking care through
individual health providers and whose test results are not shared with us.
Now that we have a better understanding of the virus, university health
officials this week scaled back the testing protocol. Beginning next week,
the university will report the number of cases with flu-like symptoms, but
will primarily test students who meet high-risk criteria. It is expected
that the number of cases of flu-like symptoms will be higher.
Populations considered at increased risk of H1N1 complications include
pregnant women, people with suppressed immune systems such as those
undergoing chemotherapy, people with diabetes or other complicating medical
conditions, and small children. At-risk persons with influenza-like illness,
or those who do not fall into the at-risk categories but whose symptoms are
worsening, should seek medical attention immediately.
CU-Boulder is coordinating with Boulder County Public Health around future
vaccination clinics and to acquire a portion of the national stockpile of
medications. The Wardenburg Health Center will consider only people in
at-risk populations or with worsening flu symptoms as potential recipients
of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that
universities cancel large-scale events or quarantine students or any
individuals who may be infected as an H1N1 containment strategy. At this
time, CU-Boulder is not canceling any special events or classes. As such,
the CU-CSU football game this Sunday is not canceled. Hand sanitizer will be
available throughout the stadium. Ticket holders who are experiencing
influenza-like illness should not attend the game and should instead
self-isolate.
We continue to fully implement our infectious disease response plan, which
has been in place since last spring. We will keep you updated with new
information as it becomes available to us, so watch your e-mails for
important messages marked "flu update." For now, be advised we are doing
everything we can to monitor the situation with the combined health of our
community as our number one priority. Please read this memo carefully, and
for more information on H1N1 and flu visit the H1N1 Web site at
http://www.colorado.edu/safety/h1n1 or the Wardenburg Health Center Web site
at http://www.colorado.edu/healthcenter/
- Students with influenza-like illness should first self isolate within
their residence hall rooms, their apartments or shared housing facilities.
Self-isolating means staying more than three feet away from another person
at all times.
-Students with influenza-like illness who fall into any of the high-risk
categories or whose symptoms are worsening should seek medical attention
immediately through Wardenburg Health Center or their medical provider.
-All individuals should cover their noses and mouths when they cough or
sneeze and frequently wash their hands with soap and warm water or disinfect
with hand sanitizer.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is not recommending
"quarantining" as an effective way to contain the virus. Based on that
recommendation, and due to the widespread nature of the virus and the
limited capacity of CU residence halls, the University is not "quarantining"
sick students.
- Residence hall advisers have communicated H1N1 prevention and treatment
practices to students living in residence halls. Residence hall students who
have influenza-like illness are urged to stay in their rooms and not to
enter large-group settings until 24 hours after any fever has ended (and
ended naturally without the aid of medications).
- Students should report flu-like symptoms to their hall director or
resident adviser. Housing and dining staff will deliver kits including food
items and surgical masks to residents who report flu-like illness. Wearing a
mask provides no health benefit to a healthy person.
-Community Health information tables have been provided at dining facilities
during meal times to encourage good hygiene practices and to answer
questions that students have about the flu.
- Any CU-Boulder student who is experiencing influenza-like illness can call
either the Wardenburg Health Center (303-492-3435) or their medical provider
to discuss treatment options. People who are at increased risk-pregnant
women and people with pre-existing medical conditions-and those whose
symptoms are worsening should be seen by a health care provider promptly.
- CU-Boulder's Wardenburg Health Center will consider only people in at-risk
populations or with severely worsening flu symptoms as potential recipients
of anti-viral medications such as Tamiflu.
Working together, I know we will all get through this outbreak, which could
last throughout the fall and early winter. Please monitor your e-mail
communications carefully for news and updates titled "flu update."
Sincerely,
Gary Chadwick, assistant vice chancellor for health and wellness
University of Colorado at Boulder
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