April 29, 2009
As you have undoubtedly heard, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) (swine flu) virus infection have been identified in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the likely epicenter of the outbreak. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working very closely with officials in the states where human cases of swine influenza have been identified, as well as with health officials, in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization.
On Tuesday, April 28 the first confirmed case of swine flu was reported in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood. Of course there is reason for concern, but there is no need for alarm. However, the situation could rapidly escalate and I believe it is prudent that the college community be properly informed.
This strain of swine flu is an acute and highly contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and believe you may have swine flu, it is imperative that you stay home, contact your health care provider, and inform your supervisor.
Students should contact Student Health Center at 312.369.6830. Work-aid and work study students should also contact their supervisors.
Because of the extraordinary circumstances associated with the swine flu, the CareATC on-site medical clinic will be available to all faculty and staff who have questions regarding swine flu symptoms. Faculty and staff may email the CareATC clinic at columbiacollege@careatc.com with your questions and phone number and they will receive a return phone call.
With the current level of concern, the college has elected to follow basic infection control procedures.
Basic infection control:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your cough (see attached PDF flyer)
• Isolate yourself if you develop an upper respiratory infection (i.e. do not come to work)
After consulting with President Carter, the college is taking the following actions at this time:
• Distribute infection control announcements and updates via the college’s student portal, The Loop, List Serve Announcements and the college’s website.
• Provide hand sanitizers and tissues for work and common areas.
• Provide wipes for shared keyboards, phones, and other such surfaces.
These items will be available at the security stations in each building starting Thursday, April 30th.
A supply of each product will be distributed to all campus computer labs.
Students, faculty, and staff may pick up supplies at security stations in their buildings.
Should the situation change the college will make additional announcements and/or updates via the student portal, The Loop, List Serve Announcements and the college’s website.
Additional FAQS:
How do people become infected?
Most transmission is by cough and droplet. Usually such transmission is limited to 3 feet and this transmission is reduced by covering your cough. Transmission is also reduced by frequent hand washing.
How can I protect myself from getting swine influenza from infected people?
To protect yourself, practice general preventive measures for influenza:
• Avoid close contact with people who appear ill and who have fever and cough.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly.
• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
What should I do if I think I have swine influenza?
If you feel ill, have high fever, cough and/or sore throat:
• Stay home and keep away from work, school or crowds as much as possible.
• Contact your healthcare provider.
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the used tissues properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand sanitizer may be used when you are unable to wash with soap and water.
• Inform family and friends about your illness and seek help for household chores that require contact with other people such as shopping.
If you need medical attention:
• Contact your doctor or healthcare provider or the Student Health Center 312.369.6830 before traveling to see them and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have swine flu. Follow the advice given to you for care.
• If it is not possible to contact your healthcare provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of having swine influenza immediately upon arrival at the healthcare facility.
• If you are ill, take care to cover your nose and mouth during travel outside of your home.
Blair Odland, MD
Student Health Center