Campus Messages Regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu)

H1N1 vaccine update
October 22, 2009

In recent days, the office of student health and education services has received many inquiries regarding when Loyola will begin offering H1N1 vaccine clinics for students. Unfortunately, our region is experiencing a vaccine shortage. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the agency overseeing vaccine distribution to colleges and universities, has not yet provided Loyola’s allotment, and has not confirmed when that allotment will be available.

Please know that we continue to be in close contact with the state health department on this issue, and will schedule clinics as soon as the vaccine supply is available. I am pleased to report that the incidence of flu on the Loyola campus has been relatively mild thus far—129 cases from the beginning of classes through Wednesday, Oct. 21. The rate of new cases appears to have slowed in recent weeks, and all students affected have recovered or are recovering without complications.

In the meantime, we encourage all students to continue to exercise key preventative measures to avoid contracting flu or other communicable diseases:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based cleaner, especially after coughing or sneezing;
• Contain coughs and sneezes with tissues, a shoulder, or the crook of an elbow. Throw away tissues after use and wash your hands;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth;
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill;
• Use sanitizing agents often on frequently touched surfaces;
• Avoid close contact with others, such as handshakes, hugs, and kisses; and
• Do not share drinking glasses, food, or utensils.

Health Center services are available to students who develop fever, sore throat, cough, aches, chills, or other flu-like symptoms. Loyola's Health Center is an outpatient facility; residential students who become ill and whose homes are within a five-hour drive from campus will be asked to go home under the care of their parents. Those who must remain on campus and who live with roommates should wear masks while in contact with others, and encourage their roommates to wear masks as well. Most individuals who contract H1N1 flu recover after about three to five days of rest.

While class attendance is important, students who are ill should stay home until they have been free of fever for at least 24 hours. Faculty members have been asked to work with students to accommodate absences due to illness.

Additional information on H1N1 flu, including a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendations for institutions of higher education, is available on this site. Please contact me by e-mail at jlombardi@loyola.edu or at 410-617-5055 with questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Jeanne M. Lombardi
Director of Student Health and Education Services