Letter to Parents
Dear Parent,
The academic year has started and students are busy flowing from the residence halls to classes. With a robust freshmen class of 700+, the campus is alive and well with energy and vitality. However, amidst the campus community looms the ever-threatening possibility of a pandemic flu outbreak. We are working diligently to prepare for such an outbreak, as well as communicate to the campus important prevention methods to keep the flu at bay. As part of our team approach to providing students with a healthy environment, I am enlisting your assistance in educating students about influenza and preventative measures they can take. Here is what we know:
- Young people ages 5-24 are most susceptible to the H1N1 virus
- Individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms (100+ degree fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, aches, etc.) should be considered contagious until fever free without medication for a period of 24 hours.
- The best prevention is thorough hand washing and limited contact with individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms that include a fever.
- The CDC is recommending that schools remain open if at all possible. Schools are recommended to approach all influenza as if it has the ability to be a novel H1N1 strain.
- A vaccine should be available mid to late October. However, the onset of flu season is only weeks away.
A University H1N1 Task Force has been appointed by President Jennings. We are working closely with the Vanderburgh County Health Department, Indiana State Health Department, and the higher education professional organizations to create a prevention and response plan appropriate for the University of Evansville. It is our goal to remain open and functioning as usual. Regular updates to our status and protocols will be posted at www.evansville.edu. However, there are several key components that I want to make you aware of:
- Every student exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be tested for Influenza A/B in the Health Center to verify or dismiss a flu diagnosis. The test will cost $11.00 and the charge will be automatically placed on the student's account.
- The CDC is recommending we treat every positive Influenza A/B test as if it could be H1N1.
- Students can choose to recover at home, self-isolate or move to an isolation area if space permits. If the student wishes to self-isolate and their roommate is in agreement, they will follow certain protocols detailed in the "Flu Agreement” document (no visitors, wearing a mask when going to restroom, receiving meals in room, etc.). The "Flu Agreement” will outline appropriate steps to prevent the spread of the virus during said period. Students will be checked daily by university staff and will be cleared to return to class once they are fever free without medication for 24 hours.
- Students who seek treatment off campus should notify the health center immediately if there is a possibility of flu.
- Faculty will work directly with students who have appropriate documentation from the university health center or the dean of students office.
- Students who exhibit severe symptoms or who have symptoms persisting for more than five days may be referred to the local hospital.
- If diagnosed early enough, students may be prescribed Tamiflu. A local pharmacy will deliver to the campus if the student has previously set up an account. (contact Health and Wellness Center for more information)
We believe these processes are appropriate for our campus if the number of confirmed flu cases is manageable. We are committed to providing a supportive environment to students who are recovering from the flu, as well as minimizing the possibility of further spread of the virus across the campus. Should your student tell you they are not feeling well and are experiencing flu-like symptoms please encourage them to visit the health center at once. The earlier we diagnosis flu outbreaks, the better chance we have of containing the virus on our campus. Please, we need your help. Encourage your student to frequently wash their hands, cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing, not to share eating utensils or food/drink, and to report to the health center at the first sign of illness. We also hope you will strongly encourage your student to receive the H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available.
As this situation unfolds, we will update our website with relative information in the hopes of preventing the spread of the flu on campus. Up to date information can be found at www.flu.gov or by calling the Centers for Disease Control at 1-800-CDC-INFO. You are also welcome to call our Health and Wellness Center if you have specific questions about University protocols. The number is 1-812-488-2033.
Thank you,
Dana D. Clayton
Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students
