To Parents: Response to Influenza Like Illnesses
Dear Parents and Family Members
No doubt you have been following the progression of influenza-like illnesses such as H1N1 and the seasonal flu virus, particularly as they have affected college campuses. The staff of University Health Services worked with representatives across campus during the summer to develop a comprehensive flu preparedness plan. The educational information on this Web site is an important outcome of this plan.
Education and prevention practices are at the heart of our strategy. Many students are staying healthy by following these guidelines, which include covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, frequent hand washing or using alcohol based hand sanitizer. In the case of illness, we recommend self-isolation.
There is always concern that in a residential environment like Notre Dame, the spread of flu cannot be prevented among roommates or close friends. Prevention takes an effort on everyone’s part. Healthy roommates and close friends of an ill student should keep their social distance from anyone who is ill. They should support ill friends by encouraging them to stay in bed and remind them to cover their mouths while coughing or sneezing, whether in their rooms or public areas.
As has happened with all college campuses, influenza-like illnesses have arrived earlier than is typical, including cases of a virus that presents as H1N1 (swine flu.) We are finding that the symptoms of these cases are milder than many viruses, and students are quick to recover. While the number of cases is slightly higher this year, our 24-hour clinic has been able to serve all students who have sought help. Despite occasional waits, students have had the opportunity to be evaluated by a health care professional. It’s important to note here that illnesses also have included a number of non-flu syndromes including colds, allergies, upper respiratory problems and gastrointestinal symptoms unrelated to influenza.
The H1N1 vaccine is slowly arriving in Indiana in limited quantities. Currently, only flu-mist is available and the highest tiered priority persons are being provided the vaccine: health care providers, persons who live or come in close contact with children under 6 months and healthy children from 3-18years of age. The live attenuated vaccine cannot be administered to pregnant women, persons with weakened immune systems and/or chronic illnesses and persons under 2 years or over 50 years old. As soon as the H1N1 vaccine is available to Notre Dame, the campus will be notified by e-mail of upcoming clinics and availability. We are strictly following the CDC guidelines and local State Board of Health directives in the distribution of the vaccine.
While we realize that there will always be illnesses in our environment, we feel very strongly that the precautions we have taken are substantially minimizing their impact.
Yours in Notre Dame,
Ann Kleva, Director
University Health Services
Notre Dame, Indiana 46530
Pages on UHS website related to Seasonal or H1N1 Influenza:
