September 9, 2009
Dear Wentworth Community Member,
As we begin the fall 2009 semester, we want to remind you about the threat of the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu. Both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu can be spread easily from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at Wentworth, but we need your help.
An H1N1 planning group has been working on plans to guide our campus if the virus becomes more prevalent locally. This plan will focus on education, communication, prevention, and action steps to care for those who become ill.
At the current time, the best prevention against H1N1 is to know the symptoms and understand how to prevent the spread of the virus. The flu can come on suddenly. Symptoms include fever, tiredness/weakness, severe muscle and joint aches, dry cough, headache, sore throat, and a runny, stuffy nose and may include diarrhea or vomiting.
Maintaining good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands and covering your cough, is the easiest way to reduce the spread of the virus. Additional information about prevention can be found on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) flu website www.flu.gov under “What You Can Do To Stay Healthy.”
Faculty and staff who think they have the flu should stay home and notify their supervisor and the human resources department. Students who think they have the flu should visit Health Services. Students diagnosed with flu should not go to class. Students should remain in their rooms or homes and avoid contact with others until at least 24 hours after their fever has subsided without the use of fever reducing medication, such as aspirin or Tylenol. Students should also call the Dean of Students’ Office at 617.989.4410. For instructions on how to care for yourself or others who have the flu go to http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/flu/flu_care_booklet.pdf. Students can also contact Health Services at 617-989-4070 with any questions or concerns.
The Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates (HVMA) Wentworth Student Health Center will offer both seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccinations for students who are designated “high risk” by the CDC. This plan is based upon CDC recommendations. Most college students will not fit into the high risk category for seasonal flu. However, college students are deemed high risk for H1N1 flu.
Students can schedule an appointment for the seasonal flu shot with the Wentworth Student Health Center or go to one of the HVMA Kenmore’s weekend flu clinics on September 13 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. or on September 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
H1N1 flu vaccine is will most likely be made available in mid to late fall.
Wentworth’s Human Resources department will notify faculty and staff of flu clinics for employees.
The Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services website contains information about the flu as well as the Health Center hours of operation and contact information. The web address for this site is http://www.harvardvanguard.org/wentworth/WIThomeReal.asp. You can also access the Student Health Center website by going to “Quick Links” on the front page of L-Connect and clicking on “Student Health Center”.
For additional directions, information and resources, contact the Wentworth H1N1 flu website at www.wit.edu/h1n1.
Other resources include:
Sincerely,
Kevin Moore
Director of Public Safety |
