Letter from the Director Regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu)

Dear Members of the Loyola Community:

With colleges and universities across the country preparing to welcome students back for the fall, discussion on the prevention and treatment of H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, has begun to increase.

Loyola’s office of student health and education services is monitoring developments surrounding this public health issue very closely. Loyola does have a pandemic flu plan in place and is in close contact with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which will take the lead in responding to such health threats if they develop. The student health and education services office is also paying close attention to news and information regarding the ongoing development of an H1N1 flu vaccine, and will provide additional information as progress is
made on this effort.

Members of the campus community are urged to be diligent in protecting themselves by regularly visiting the site below to learn how to stay healthy and access the latest and most reliable information:

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

According to the CDC, H1N1 flu produces symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, sore throat, cough, chills, headache, and body aches. Students who experience flu symptoms, such as onset of fever above 100 degrees, cough, or sore throat should call the Health
Center. Employees should consult their personal physicians.

Health officials recommend following these precautions in limiting the spread of flu:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.
• Contain coughs and sneezes with tissues, or use a shoulder or crook of the elbow. Throw away the tissue in the trash after use, and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Use sanitizing or disinfecting agents often on frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with others and their secretions. This means that handshakes, hugs, and kisses, as well as sharing drinking glasses, food, and utensils should be avoided.
• If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home from work and school and limit your contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you contract an influenza-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home until 24 hours after symptoms subside. Employees are encouraged to notify the office of human resources if they are ill with influenza.
• If a student wishes to be seen at Loyola’s Health Center for flu symptoms, please call ahead so the clinic can be prepared to treat you.
• Students who live with other students and cannot go home while ill should wear a mask in their room while in contact with others and encourage their roommates to wear a mask as well. Ill students in need of supplies and food may contact the Office of Student Life and/or the Office of Student Health for assistance.

The office of student health services has preordered Swine Flu vaccine from the Baltimore City Health Department. The campus community will be notified when we receive the vaccine along with dates for flu clinics.

Seasonal flu vaccine clinics will be held the last two weeks of September. Students will be notified of time and place in the near future. Seasonal flu vaccine is different from swine flu vaccine and will not protect against H1N1 but is strongly recommended by health officials.

The staff of student health and education services (410-617-5055) is here to assist and provide information; our hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Students may call our physician group at Sinai Hospital after hours and on the weekends at 410-583-9396 for questions or concerns; a physician will return your call within an hour.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and productive semester.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Lombardi
Director
Student Health and Education Services