H1N1 Campus Flu Update #8
[November 05, 2009]
Flu season is upon us and we can expect a resurgence of both seasonal and H1N1 flu cases in the coming months. Members of the Xavier community are encouraged to continue rigorous hygiene practices including washing and sanitizing their hands regularly, discrete coughing and sneezing, and maintaining overall good health and a strong immune system.
In the event that you or someone close to you is exhibiting flu-like symptoms, social distancing and isolation are more effective than wearing masks according to a recent statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). You should try to stay at least six feet from someone who is exhibiting flu symptoms until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication.
There are presently two flu vaccines in circulation - one against seasonal flu and the H1N1vaccine. One type does not offer protection against the other so individuals are encouraged to get both vaccines, if possible. The seasonal flu vaccine is on backorder for the Xavier campus but it is available at local pharmacies and physicians’ offices for a nominal fee and some accept insurance for payment. On November 13, several city clinics will offer the seasonal vaccine free of charge. The closest one to Xavier is at 3308 Tulane Avenue near Jefferson Davis Highway from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Call the Student Health Office at X7396 for more information.
The H1N1 vaccine has limited availability throughout the city. Xavier’s Student Health Office has ordered 1000 doses of the vaccine which should be available on campus within the next two weeks. Signs will be posted around campus with vaccination times, locations, and the prioritized groups according to the CDC targets. The groups follow in prioritized order:
- Pregnant women
- Persons who live with or provide care for infants aged < 6 months
- Health care providers and medical services personnel including law enforcement officers
- Children/young adults aged 6 months-24 years of age
- Persons 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza related complications such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, etc.
The H1N1 vaccine will only be offered to members of the Xavier community according to the CDC target groups. Members of the Xavier community should be aware that the risk for H1N1 is greater in the younger populations, among children and young adults. Individuals in this population are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
H1N1 Campus Flu Update #7
[October 02, 2009]
Majoria Drugs is offering a seasonal flu vaccine at the
1805 Metairie Road store. The vaccine is free of charge to XU faculty/staff/students if they have Humana Insurance. There is a $25 fee for anyone else. Many physician offices are out of the vaccine, so this is an opportunity for those interested. Shots are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call 504 -835-7211 for more info.
H1N1 Campus Flu Update #6
[September 17, 2009]
The University and Health Services are still aggressively monitoring the H1N1 situation as the academic year proceeds. Previous recommendations about hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, social distancing are still strongly encouraged. For a comparison of seasonal flu and the H1n1 virus, visit http://www.xula.edu/mediarelations/compareFlu_Facts.pdf.
H1N1 Campus Flu Update #5
[September 11, 2009]
The Center for Disease Control has released new guidelines on the use of antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza.
Because of increasing resistance of H1N1 to these medications, the CDC now advises that these medication should be used only for patients who are considered at risk for complications, e.g. patients hospitalized with the flu or patients at risk for complications from the disease, including children younger than five years-old, adults 65 and older, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions. Otherwise, it is not recommended that "normally healthy" individuals receive the antiviral medications.
Nationwide, there is evidence of a milder form of the H1N1 flu than was anticipated. It seems to last approximately four days. Previous recommendations about hand hygiene, avoiding crowded areas, social distancing are still strongly encouraged.
H1N1 Campus Flu Update #4
[September 1, 2009]
PLAN OF ACTION FOR A POTENTIAL FLU OUTBREAK
Xavier University of Louisiana is committed to doing all it can do to ensure the continued health and well-being of its campus community. The H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic has affected populations worldwide and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a Phase 6 Pandemic in light of the number of H1N1 cases that have rapidly spread across the globe.
H1N1 is already a viable threat to the region. One confirmed case has been reported at Xavier and other individuals are being closely monitored. The University is taking proactive measures to keep the campus safe and informed. Regular updates will continue being posted on the University website, www.xula.edu and special preventative steps have been implemented throughout the institution.
The University has formed a H1N1 Emergency Response Committee to assess and monitor the situation, and to ensure that the University’s responses are appropriate and timely. This Committee has developed an institutional plan that adheres to CDC Guidelines for Responses to Influenza for Institutions of Higher Education. The overall plan includes unit plans and guidelines from the following areas: Academic Affairs, Facilities Planning & Management, Housing & Residence Life, Human Resources, Sodexo Food Services, Student Health, and Student Services.
All faculty, staff, students and administrators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Xavier’s H1N1 policies and procedures provided below, and to exercise due diligence in keeping themselves and those around them healthy and flu-free. The University website www.XULA.edu has also posted helpful links following those policies and procedures, providing access to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization plus state & local health agencies.
The XU campus community is encouraged to remember that routine hand washing with soap and water is as effective as using hand sanitizer -- if not more so -- to deter infection. Use paper towels to turn off the faucet. Similarly, if you cough or sneeze, be mindful of not spreading germs to others. Cough into your forearm, not into your hands. Use tissues and dispose of them promptly. Keep your hands away from your face.
Symptoms of H1N1 are difficult to distinguish from other influenza strains. If you are running a fever of 100 degrees or more accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, body aches, and a persistent cough, you probably have some form of the flu. Faculty and staff, as noted elsewhere, should see their personal physicians. Students are advised to contact the Office of Student Health Services as soon as symptoms develop. These public health web sites may also contain helpful information:
The university will continue to issue campus flu updates as warranted, and all information will be available online at the
www.XULA.edu web site. Each individual must assume personal responsibility and exercise due diligence for practicing good hygiene. Remember that prevention is our best defense against the flu, so let's all be sure to do our part!
H1N1 Campus Flu Update #3
[August 26, 2009]
The World Health Organization has declared a Phase 6 pandemic for the H1N1 Swine flu. This attests to increased and sustained transmission throughout the general U.S. population. Here in New Orleans, growing numbers of flu cases have been reported with schools and college campuses taking proactive steps to manage the situation.
This week, Xavier University confirmed that one student has been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus and is currently recovering at home. The Office of Student Health is closely monitoring all developments and the University has stepped up its efforts to prevent transmission and share pertinent information with the campus community. The University website has helpful links and the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local health agencies. Flyers and tips for good hygiene have been posted throughout campus and students are encouraged to regularly use the sanitizer dispensing stations that have been provided in strategic locations.
Keep in mind that routine hand washing with soap and water is as effective as using hand sanitizer to deter infection. Use paper towels to turn off the faucet. Similarly, if you cough or sneeze, be mindful of not spreading germs to others. Cough into your forearm, not into your hands. Use tissues and dispose of them promptly. Keep your hands away from your face.
The symptoms of H1N1 are difficult to distinguish from other influenza strains. If you are running a fever of 100 degrees or more accompanied by other symptoms such as a runny nose, body aches, and a persistent cough, you probably have some form of the flu. Faculty and staff should see their personal physicians. Students are advised to contact the Office of Student Health Services. The public health websites listed below may also contain helpful information:
Please check this site periodically for future alerts. Each individual must assume personal responsibility and exercise due diligence for practicing good hygiene. Prevention is our best defense against the flu, so please be sure to do your part!
CAMPUS HEALTH SERVICES - FLU UPDATE #2
April 30, 2009
The World Health Organization has raised the risk level for the H1N1 (swine) flu to 5 out of a possible 6, meaning the world is at imminent risk of a pandemic.
Over the past few days, as has been extensively reported, a strain of the H1N1 "swine flu" virus has begun spreading across the world. The global outbreak that started in Mexico has quickly moved to other countries, with several cases now being confirmed in North America. Other potential cases are being investigated, including here in Louisiana.
The Office of Health Services at Xavier University is closely monitoring all developments, and has already posted flu information flyers throughout the campus this week in an effort to be as pro-active as possible.
Students, faculty and staff are reminded that frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers can be effective preventive measures. Symptoms are difficult to distinguish from other flu strains. You are also encouraged to pay attention to future media alerts regarding this potential health threat.
For more information, contact the Campus Health Services office at (504) 520-7392.
MESSAGE TO XAVIER COMMUNITY RE: SWINE FLU
[April 28, 2009]
Over the past several days, a potentially fatal strain of Swine Flu has begun spreading across the world. The global outbreak, which started in Mexico, has quickly moved to countries as far away as New Zealand while making its presence known in North America too. Symptoms are difficult to distinguish from other flu strains.
The Office of Health Services at Xavier has prepared flyers and swine flu information sheets for distribution throughout the campus this week, and for posting at the web site, in an effort to be as proactive as possible. Any suspicious cases of illness will be fully investigated.
Students, faculty and staff are reminded that frequent hand washing is the most effective preventive measure. You are also encouraged to pay attention to future media alerts regarding this potential health threat, such as the latest statement [see below] from the City of New Orleans.
For more information on the swine flu, visit:
<http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/>
<http://www.flula.com>
Xavier students or employees with further questions should contact the X-U Campus Health Services office at (504) 520-7392.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM CITY OF NEW ORLEANS RE: SWINE FLU
The City of New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has been monitoring the ongoing Swine Flu (H1N1) cases in United States and Mexico. The office also has been in contact with Federal and State partners and is receiving the latest information and guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Louisiana and there have been no reported deaths in the United States related to this illness. It is also important to remember that you cannot get Swine Flu from eating properly cooked pork products.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals encourages all Louisiana citizens experiencing flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting, or diarrhea, to contact their primary care provider for medical assistance. This strain is treated just as the common flu would be treated.
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. On the other hand, there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Please take these everyday steps to protect your health:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SWINE FLU, VISIT:
<http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/>
<http://www.flula.com>
Citizens also are encouraged to sign up for the New Orleans Community Alert System NOLA Ready to receive messages via email, cell phone, pager, smart phone or hand held device. To register for this free service visit: <www.NOLAReady.info>
