Dear Wentworth Students, Parents and Families,
As Wentworth prepares to welcome back our students for the fall 2009 semester, along with colleges and universities across the country, we are also preparing for a potentially severe influenza (flu) season. While we hope that H1N1 and seasonal flu will be mild and easily contained, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is still unsure what to expect. The CDC is in direct communication with Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the BPHC is in constant communication with colleges and universities.
As the flu season approaches, Wentworth will communicate with our students on a regular basis. While it is our hope to be able to offer all students seasonal flu shots, as a result of the H1N1 outbreak there is widespread concern that the demand for season flu shots will be far greater than the supply. If this is the case, Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services will offer seasonal flu shots only to those students determined to be at high risk. The HINI flu vaccine is currently in the development, production, and clinical trial stage. It is expected to be available in late November/December. It is the recommendation of the BPHC that college students consider getting the H1N1 vaccination. Harvard Vanguard Student Health Services will offer H1N1 vaccinations once they are available. Families should discuss in advance if H1N1 vaccination is something they would like their sons/daughters to receive.
While there is uncertainty about the flu season, there are many steps we can take to minimize the risk of the flu spreading on our campus. The most important step is to confirm whether or not you have the flu. The symptoms of influenza (flu) include fever, cough, sore throat, and sometimes body aches, headache, chills and feeling tired. Some people also have diarrhea and vomiting. Use the following check list to help decide if you may have the flu:
- Do you have a fever of 100 °F or more?
- Do you have a cough?
- Do you have a headache, body aches or chills?
- Do you have a sore throat?
- Do you have vomiting or diarrhea?
If you checked yes to fever of 100 °F or more and cough and/or sore throat, you have an influenza-like illness. Students should call the Health Center at (617) 989-4070 for further instruction.
In order to ensure proper care for students who are ill, as well as the need to minimize the potential of infection to the greater campus community, students with influenza-like illness will be strongly encouraged to go home and remain off campus until at least 24 hours after their fever has ended. For those students unable to go home (those who live further than a 4 hour car ride), accommodations will be made based on the recommendations of Harvard Vanguard Health Services.
Wentworth will do its part in minimizing the risk of influenza spreading throughout our campus; however we need our students to do their part as well. Please remember the following basic CDC recommendations to prevent getting the flu or other illnesses:
- Get vaccinated. The single best way to prevent seasonal and H1N1 flu is to get vaccinated each year
- Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
This is a good time to remind our residential students to bring with them items for your “medicine cabinet,” including bandages, thermometer, hydrocortisone cream, antibacterial ointment, tissues, waterless hand sanitizer, Tylenol/Advil, common cold remedies, Tums and 1-2 month supply of currently prescribed medications.
Again, we are hopeful that we will successfully navigate the upcoming flu season, minimizing the number of community members who become ill and providing care to those who do. I thank you in advance for your help in keeping yourself and our campus healthy.
For more information H1N1, please visit the following websites:
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact one of the following offices:
Harvard Vanguard Student Health Service (617) 989-4070
Dean of Students Office (617) 989-4410
Office of Wellness Education (617) 989-.4197
Office of Housing and Residential Life (617) 989-4160
Department of Public Safety (617) 989-4400
Be well,
Annamaria Wenner
Dean of Students/Associate Vice President for Student Affairs |
