Weekly Influenza UpdateSeptember 25, 2009

TO: The Gustavus Community
FROM: The Gustavus Pandemic Advisory Committee

As expected, the H1N1 influenza A virus continues to be widespread throughout the state of Minnesota. At Gustavus, we are monitoring campus cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), a term that describes either H1N1 or seasonal influenza.

This week 27 new cases of ILI have been reported through our online Symptom Report form. This brings the total number of cases since the start of school to 44. Some of the affected individuals have already recovered; others are still recovering. Symptoms remain mild in most cases. Gustavus has not had any known ILI-related hospitalizations.

You may hear in the media that there has been a recent change to diagnostic criteria for ILI: a fever is not always present, experts say. In accordance with CDC guidelines, we continue to instruct the Gustavus campus community as follows: If you have a temperature of greater than 100 degrees F, remain home until you have been without fever for 24 hours (without the use of fever reducing medication).

Gustavus continues to stay in close touch with health authorities and the College is doing everything possible to slow the spread of infection on campus.

What Gustavus is doing:

  • Online Symptom Report forms make it possible for the College to track cases. The forms also give students the option to notify professors of an ILI-related absence.
  • Online Meal Request forms enable ill students to send "flu buddies" to collect and deliver food to them during influenza recovery.
  • Signs, posters, and fliers educate and inform the campus about ILI symptoms, prevention, and treatment.
  • Hand sanitizer is available throughout campus.
  • To accommodate increased student cases, an Influenza Satellite Clinic will open next week in the 49er Room, on the lower level of the Jackson Campus Center (please stay tuned for an official announcement of hours).

What you can do:

  • Stay informed by regularly visiting the College's H1N1 website.
  • Practice good health habits: wash hands often, cover your cough, and stay away from others who have influenza symptoms.
  • If you become ill, follow the College's ILI recommendations.

Thank you,

Pandemic Advisory Committee Co-Chairs
Heather Dale, Director of Health Service and
Ray Thrower, Director of Campus Safety