H1N1 Campus Updates

November 20, 2009

The Student Health Center will hold an H1N1 flu vaccination clinic from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, in the Atrium of Hamilton-Williams Campus Center. We hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to help protect yourself and the OWU community from this flu strain.

To be vaccinated, you MUST pre-register online, print your registration form, and bring the form to the vaccination clinic. NO EXCEPTIONS. You may pre-register at h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov.

Cost is $5 per student and may be paid via cash or check, or charged to your student account at the time of service.

We urge all eligible students to receive H1N1 vaccination, but vaccination is especially important if you have a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a suppressed immune system. For more information, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

November 18, 2009

I’m writing today to clarify information about H1N1 flu shots. The Delaware General Health District has provided the University with H1N1 vaccinations for student use only. If we have unused vaccine, we will be required to return it to the Delaware General Health District. Officials there will determine the parameters under which it is distributed to high-priority recipients and others.

We will not be providing H1N1 vaccinations to faculty or staff. For this reason, we’ve been sharing all vaccination clinic information provided by the Delaware General Health District.

Please note that if you do wish to be vaccinated against H1N1 influenza, you should pre-register online, print your registration form, and take the form with you to the vaccination clinic to help expedite service. You may pre-register at h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

November 18, 2009

Delaware General Health District News Release

Adults with Chronic Illnesses Can Get H1N1 Immunizations at Two Clinics Set Next Week

The Delaware General Health District will conduct two more large-scale H1N1 immunization clinics on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 24 and 25, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

These clinics will be open to adults up to age 64 who have chronic medical conditions putting them at high risk for flu complications. That will be in addition to the other high-risk groups who have been receiving the H1N1 vaccine. Children who received their first dose of H1N1 vaccine prior to Oct. 28 can get their second doses at these clinics.

Both clinics will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Merchants Building on the fairgrounds, located on the north side of the City of Delaware. Clients are asked to use the U.S. 23 entrance to the fairgrounds; other vehicle gates will be closed.

The clinics will serve the following groups at high risk for H1N1 flu:

• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years
• People who live with or care for babies under 6 months old
• Persons aged 19-64 years with chronic medical conditions (Asthma, Neurological Conditions, Chronic Lung Disease, Heart Disease, Blood Disease, Endocrine Disorders, Kidney Disorders, Liver Disorders, Metabolic Disorders, Weakened Immune System due to medication or disease)

Adults under 65 with chronic medical conditions are asked to bring a list of their medications to the clinic.

Both injectable vaccine and nasal spray vaccine will be available. Persons wanting the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to preregister online via the link on www.delawarehealth.org and bring their preregistration form to the clinic.

In light of heavy demand for H1N1 immunizations, clients might have to wait up to a few hours in cool weather, and should prepare accordingly. The Health District suggests dressing comfortably and bringing drinking water, lawn chairs, something to read, and activities to keep children occupied. Rest rooms will be available. Clients can check on the length of the line via a live Webcam view on www.delawarehealth.org while the clinics are operating.

Except for WIC and Help Me Grow, all other Health District clinic services normally provided on Tuesday and Wednesday have been canceled next week because of the H1N1 clinic.

The Health District urges people wanting the H1N1 vaccine to be aware of the following important information:

• Next week’s clinics will be only for people in the high-risk groups described above. More clinics will be scheduled later once more H1N1 vaccine is received. Persons not in the high-risk categories will be offered the vaccine after high-risk persons get their opportunity.
• Adults with chronic medical conditions must bring a list of their medications to the clinic.
• Parents or legal guardians who want others (grandparents, for example) to bring their children to immunization clinics must phone the Health District at 740-203-2040 during weekday business hours before the day of the clinic. Parents or guardians must speak with a nurse, answer health assessment questions, sign consent forms, and review vaccine information statements before their children can receive vaccine. This is required regardless of whether the children are preregistered online. Children arriving at clinics without the above steps being followed will not be able to get the vaccine.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children 9 and younger get a second dose of H1N1 vaccine at least 28 days after the first dose. Children who received doses at the Oct. 26 clinic at Buckeye Valley High School will be eligible to get second doses at next week’s clinics.
• Pregnant women will not be required to show documentation of their pregnancy.
• The H1N1 vaccine and parking on the fairgrounds will be free, and no payments of any kind will be required.
• The clinic will have nasal spray vaccine and injectable vaccines with and without preservatives.

The clinics will be conducted by the Delaware General Health District staff with assistance from the Delaware County Emergency Medical Service, Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware City Police, the Delaware County Fair Board, and Delaware Citizens Police Academy volunteers.

The Delaware General Health District has administered 8,390 H1N1 immunizations so far this fall. The most recent large-scale clinic on Sunday, Nov. 15, at Olentangy Liberty High School served 2,404 persons.

November 13, 2009

The Student Health Center will hold H1N1 and regular seasonal flu vaccination clinics from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday next week—Nov. 16, 17, and 19. All clinics will be held at the Student Health Center in Stuyvesant Hall.

To ensure the clinics operate as smoothly as possible, please note the following:

H1N1 Information

• You MUST pre-register for H1N1 vaccination online, print your registration form, and bring the form with you in order to be vaccinated. NO EXCEPTIONS. You may pre-register at h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov.
• Ohio Wesleyan has received enough H1N1 vaccine to accommodate our entire student body.
• Per Centers for Disease Control guidelines, H1N1 vaccination is available only to students under age 25.
• H1N1 vaccination will be via nasal mist, unless you have a medical condition that prevents you from using the mist.
• Cost is $5 per student and may be paid via cash or check, or charged to your student account at the time of service.

Regular Seasonal Flu Information

• Regular season flu vaccine is in limited supply and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
• All regular seasonal flu vaccine is injectable (vs. nasal mist) so that students will be able to receive both flu vaccinations at once.
• Cost for regular seasonal flu is $20 per student and may be paid via cash or check, or charged to your student account at the time of service.

We urge all eligible students to receive H1N1 vaccination, but vaccination is especially important if you have a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a suppressed immune system.

Also, please continue to follow good health guidelines, including contacting the Student Health Center right away if you develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of fever greater than or equal to 100 degrees, body aches, and/or a cough or sore throat. You will be screened via telephone and given additional instructions as warranted.

The Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Center may be reached at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

November 12, 2009

Delaware General Health District News Release

H1N1 Immunization Clinic Sunday at Olentangy Liberty High School

The Delaware General Health District’s next large-scale H1N1 flu immunization clinic for high-risk groups will be Sunday, Nov. 15, from noon to 4 p.m. at Olentangy Liberty High School, 3584 Home Road, Powell. All clients must enter the school via the Sawmill Parkway entrance.

Another H1N1 clinic—for pregnant women and parents of infants under 6 months old only—will be Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Health District offices in downtown Delaware.

Sunday’s clinic at Liberty High School is for the following groups at high risk for H1N1 flu only:

• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years
• People who live with or care for babies under 6 months old
• Health care providers in direct patient care (please bring an ID to prove employment)

Both injectable vaccine and FluMist nasal spray will be available. Persons wanting the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to preregister online via the link on www.delawarehealth.org and bring their preregistration form to the clinic.

In light of heavy demand for H1N1 immunizations, clients might have to wait up to a few hours in cool weather with rain possible, and should prepare accordingly. A live Web cam view of the waiting line—a new service that debuted at our Nov. 10 clinic—will be available on www.delawarehealth.org to help residents decide when to arrive. The Health District suggests dressing comfortably and bringing drinking water, lawn chairs, something to read, and activities to keep children occupied. Rest rooms will be available.

The Health District administration wants to thank the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware City Police, and other local law enforcement agencies for their help in planning the large-scale H1N1 clinics. Law officers have been instrumental in planning all DGHD H1N1 immunization clinics and managing traffic flow, and have worked diligently to reduce waiting times and ensure clients’ safety.

The Thursday, Nov. 19, clinic is ONLY for pregnant women and parents of infants under 6 months old. It will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the basement of the Health District office at 1 W. Winter St. in historic downtown Delaware.

The Health District urges people wanting the H1N1 vaccine to be aware of the following important information:

Both upcoming clinics will be only for people in the high-risk groups described above. More clinics will be scheduled later once more H1N1 vaccine is received. Persons not in the high-risk categories will be offered the vaccine at later clinics after high-risk persons get their opportunity.

Parents or legal guardians who want others (grandparents, for example) to bring their children to immunization clinics must phone the Health District at 740-203-2040 during weekday business hours before the day of the clinic. Parents or guardians must speak with a nurse, answer health assessment questions, sign consent forms, and review vaccine information statements before their children can receive vaccine. This is required regardless of whether the children are preregistered online. Children arriving at clinics without the above steps being followed will not be able to get the vaccine.

Pregnant women will not be required to show documentation of their pregnancy.

The H1N1 vaccine and parking on the fairgrounds will be free, and no payments of any kind will be required.

The clinic will have Flu Mist nasal spray vaccine and injectable vaccines. All healthy persons aged 2 to 49 can get Flu Mist vaccine except for breastfeeding mothers and persons allergic to eggs or gelatin.

The online preregistration system operated by the Ohio Department of Health is not issuing e-mail notifications to individuals about upcoming clinics at present. Delaware County residents are encouraged to log on to www.delawarehealth.org for information on upcoming local clinics, and to not rely on e-mail notification at this time.

Sunday’s clinic will be conducted by the Delaware General Health District staff with assistance from Olentangy Local Schools, the Delaware County Emergency Medical Service, Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware City Police, and community volunteers.

November 6, 2009

Delaware General Health District News Release

Delaware County’s Third Large-Scale H1N1 Clinic Set Tuesday

Delaware County’s next large-scale H1N1 immunization clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

The Delaware General Health District clinic is for the following groups at high risk for H1N1 flu:

• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years
• People who live with or care for babies under 6 months old
• Health care providers in direct patient care (please bring an ID to prove employment)

Tuesday’s clinic is scheduled for 1 to 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds, located on the north side of the City of Delaware. Drivers are asked to enter via the U.S. 23 gate and will be directed to parking areas, including handicapped parking; all other gates will be closed. The immunization clinic will be in the Merchants Building.

The Health District expects more H1N1 vaccine in to be delivered on Tuesday. The supply includes both injectable vaccine and Flu Mist nasal spray. Persons wanting the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to preregister online via the link on www.delawarehealth.org and bring their preregistration form to the clinic.

In light of heavy demand for H1N1 immunizations, clients might have to wait up to a few hours in cool weather, and should prepare accordingly. The Health District suggests dressing comfortably and bringing drinking water, lawn chairs, something to read, and activities to keep children occupied. Food vendors will be selling foods and drinks on the site, and rest rooms and handwashing facilities will be available.

Except for WIC, all other Health District clinic services normally provided on Tuesdays have been canceled because of the H1N1 clinic.

The Health District urges people wanting the H1N1 vaccine to be aware of the following important information:

• Tuesday’s clinic will be only for people in the high-risk groups described above. More clinics will be scheduled later once more H1N1 vaccine is received. Persons not in the high-risk categories will be offered the vaccine after high-risk persons get their opportunity.
• Parents or legal guardians who want others (grandparents, for example) to bring their children to immunization clinics are strongly urged to phone the Health District at 740-203-2040 during weekday business hours before the day of the clinic. Parents or guardians must speak with a nurse, answer health assessment questions, sign consent forms, and review vaccine information statements before their children can receive vaccine. This is required regardless of whether the children are preregistered online. Children arriving at clinics without the above steps being followed will not be able to get the vaccine.
• Pregnant women will not be required to show documentation of their pregnancy.
• The H1N1 vaccine and parking on the fairgrounds will be free, and no payments of any kind will be required.
• The clinic will have Flu Mist nasal spray vaccine and injectable vaccines with and without preservatives.
• The Health District has inspected and approved more than 40 other local medical providers to receive H1N1 vaccine for their patients, although it is uncertain when those providers will receive vaccine. In addition, the state is providing H1N1 vaccine to certain large chain stores with pharmacies.

The clinic will be conducted by the Delaware General Health District staff with assistance from the Delaware County Emergency Medical Service, Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware City Police, the Delaware County Fair Board, and community volunteers.

November 4, 2009

Delaware General Health District News Release

Delaware County’s Second Large-Scale H1N1 Clinic Set Wednesday

Delaware County’s next large-scale H1N1 immunization clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Delaware County Fairgrounds.

The Delaware General Health District clinic is only for the following groups at high risk for H1N1 flu:

• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years.
• People who live with or care for babies under 6 months old
• Health care providers in direct patient care (please bring an ID to prove employment)

Wednesday’s clinic is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the fairgrounds, located on the north side of the City of Delaware. Drivers are asked to enter via the U.S. 23 gate and will be directed to parking areas, including handicapped parking. The immunization clinic will be in the Merchants Building.

The Health District has more than 1,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine in stock and more due to be delivered on Tuesday. The supply includes both injectable vaccine and Flu Mist nasal spray. Persons wanting the H1N1 vaccine are encouraged to preregister online via the link on www.delawarehealth.org and bring their preregistration form to the clinic.

In light of heavy demand for H1N1 immunizations, clients might have to wait up to a few hours in cool weather, and should prepare accordingly. The Health District suggests dressing comfortably and bringing drinking water, lawn chairs, something to read, and activities to keep children occupied. Food vendors will be selling foods and drinks on the site, and rest rooms and handwashing facilities will be available.

Except for WIC, all other Health District clinic services normally provided on Wednesdays have been canceled because of the H1N1 clinic.

The Health District urges people wanting the H1N1 vaccine to be aware of the following important information:

• Wednesday’s clinic will be only for people in the high-risk groups described above. More clinics will be scheduled later once more H1N1 vaccine is received. Persons not in the high-risk categories will be offered the vaccine after high-risk persons get their opportunity.
• Pregnant women will not be required to show documentation of their pregnancy.
• The H1N1 vaccine and parking on the fairgrounds will be free, and no payments of any kind will be required.
• The clinic will have Flu Mist nasal spray vaccine and injectable vaccines with and without preservatives.
• The Health District has inspected and approved more than 40 other local medical providers to receive H1N1 vaccine for their patients, although it is uncertain when those providers will receive vaccine. In addition, the state is providing H1N1 vaccine to certain large chain stores with pharmacies.

The clinic will be conducted by the Delaware General Health District staff with assistance from the Delaware County Emergency Medical Service, Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Delaware City Police, the Delaware County Fair Board, and community volunteers.

October 29, 2009

Influenza-like illnesses continue to impact campus. Since mid-semester break, the Student Health Center has seen nearly 40 students with flu-related symptoms. We also have seen students with colds and related respiratory illnesses.

Please let this message serve as a strong reminder for everyone to follow good health and hygiene guidelines to help limit the spread of cold and flu germs.

As of this writing, we have no new information regarding H1N1 vaccination clinics in either Delaware County or on the Ohio Wesleyan campus. But based on the nation’s limited vaccine supply, we do not anticipate being able to offer on-campus clinics in the near future.

For the latest details about the local H1N1 vaccine supply, please watch the Delaware General Health District Web site at www.delawarehealth.org.

Those wishing to receive H1N1 inoculation, whenever the vaccine becomes available, are urged to pre-register with the Ohio Department Health. This also may be done via the Delaware General Health District Web site at www.delawarehealth.org.

Ohio Wesleyan’s Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Center may be reached at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

For additional influenza information, including good health guidelines and symptoms, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html. Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

October 22, 2009

Delaware General Health District News Release

H1N1 Immunization Update

The Delaware General Health District will provide H1N1 flu immunizations on Monday, Oct. 26 to the following high-risk groups:

• Pregnant women
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years
• Persons living with or caring for infants less than 6 months old
• Health care providers in direct patient care

Time: Monday, Oct. 26 from 3 – 8 p.m.

Location: Buckeye Valley High School, 901 Coover Road, Delaware

Note: BVHS is a short distance west of U.S. 23 north of the city of Delaware. From northbound U.S. 23, turn left onto Coover Road; the school will be on your left.

The vaccines are free. Please preregister online at h1n1vaccine.odh.ohio.gov.

Eligibility to receive the vaccine may be broadened to other groups in the coming weeks, depending on the availability of vaccine. Additional H1N1 immunization clinics will be announced in the near future.

Seasonal flu immunization clinics have been discontinued because the seasonal vaccine supplies have been exhausted.

For the latest information log on to www.delawarehealth.org/H1N1_Update.htm or phone 740-203-2015 or 2-1-1.

October 20, 2009

The Student Health Center has administered our limited supply of regular seasonal flu vaccine and must POSTPONE tomorrow’s Ham-Wil flu shot clinic. As of this writing, we do not know how soon additional vaccine will be made available to us. We made many attempts to secure more vaccine for tomorrow, but could not.

If you have not received your regular seasonal flu shot yet and wish to do so quickly, you will need to pursue off-campus options. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes. For information about county flu shot clinics, visit www.delawarehealth.org/Adult/PDF/Flu_brochure09.pdf (PDF*).

Regarding H1N1 flu vaccinations, we have not received inoculations for this strain. However, if you wish to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu, you should pre-register online as soon as possible at www.delawarehealth.org. We will share H1N1 vaccination information as soon as possible.

The Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Center may be reached at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

For more flu information, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

October 19, 2009

A vaccination clinic to protect you against regular seasonal flu will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, in the Atrium of Hamilton-Williams Campus Center. No appointment is necessary, and vaccinations will be provided to students on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20, which may be paid by cash or check, or charged to your student account. If desired, you may seek reimbursement from your health insurer afterward.

Ohio Wesleyan has not received inoculations for H1N1 flu at this time, but if you wish to be vaccinated for H1N1 flu, you should pre-register online today by completing the Ohio Department of Health form available at www.delawarehealth.org. We will share H1N1 vaccination information as soon as it is available.

We recommend that all students be vaccinated for both flu strains, but you are strongly urged to be inoculated if you have a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a suppressed immune system.

In the meantime, please continue to follow good health guidelines, including contacting the Student Health Center right away if you develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of fever greater than or equal to 100 degrees, body aches, and/or a cough or sore throat. You will be screened via telephone and given additional instructions as warranted.

The Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Center may be reached at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

If you become ill, please remember that as part of your need to limit contact with others, you should not attend classes, social events, or any meetings and appointments until you are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. For more information, including recommendations for staying healthy, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

October 14, 2009

The Student Health Center continues to see students with influenza-like illnesses. To date, we have had roughly 20 possible or confirmed H1N1 flu cases among students. As of this writing, everyone appears to be doing well. Per our proactive plan, ill students are recovering at home (if possible) or in isolated areas to help limit the spread of germs.

Please remember that it is everyone’s responsibility to help protect the health of our campus. If you develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of a fever greater than or equal to 100 degrees, body aches, and/or a cough or sore throat, you should not attend classes or come to work until you are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.

Students with flu symptoms should call the Student Health Center right away at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162, and employees should consult their personal health care providers. The Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

As we enjoy our mid-semester break, it’s a perfect time for all of us to catch up on sleep and take extra care of ourselves. To limit vulnerability to the flu virus, it’s also important to continue to:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face as much as possible.
• Cough and sneeze into disposable tissues and immediately place used tissues into a waste basket. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands; if a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water, especially after using a tissue, the restroom, or helping someone who is sick. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and rinse well. Use a disposable paper towel to dry your hands, and use the towel to turn off the faucet and open the restroom door.

For more information, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html. Thank you for helping us to keep our campus healthy.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

October 9, 2009

The Student Health Center is now providing vaccinations for regular, seasonal flu. To schedule an appointment, please call the Center at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. The cost is $20, which may be paid by cash or check, or charged to your student account, at the time of service. You then may seek reimbursement from your health insurer.

Because of the limited vaccine supply on campus, we encourage you to consider getting your regular, season flu inoculation at an off-campus clinic during next week’s mid-semester break.

We recommended that all students be vaccinated for regular, seasonal flu, but you are strongly urged to be inoculated if you have a chronic health condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease or a suppressed immune system.

For now, all on-campus vaccinations are being done at the Student Health Center during regular hours of operation. The Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

Regarding inoculation for H1N1 flu, though limited vaccinations have been released, they will go first to EMS workers and health-care providers with direct patient contact. Ohio Wesleyan has requested enough doses of the H1N1 vaccine to cover the entire student body, but we have no way of knowing at this point when this vaccine will be available to us. Still, students who wish to receive H1N1 inoculation are asked to pre-register online by completing the Ohio Department of Health form available at www.delawarehealth.org.

In the meantime, please continue to follow good health guidelines and to take care of yourselves. For recommendations about how to stay healthy and for more information about flu signs and symptoms, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

October 6, 2009

Ohio Wesleyan now has its first confirmed case of H1N1 flu, and the student has been moved to an isolated area to recover. The case appears to be mild, and the student is doing well at this time.

For students wishing to receive a regular seasonal flu shot, we anticipate receiving the vaccination soon and will announce flu shot clinic information as quickly as possible. The cost will be $20. To ensure that we have enough vaccine for students, we ask that faculty and staff utilize off-campus inoculation clinics. Students who wish to be vaccinated more quickly also should consider off-campus inoculation clinics.

Students who develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of a fever greater than or equal to 100 degrees, a cough, body aches, and/or a sore throat are asked to contact the Student Health Center immediately at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162.

Students will be screened via telephone and scheduled for an appointment if necessary. Those who have respiratory or chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) will be asked to come to the Center to be evaluated as soon as possible. All students with flu symptoms are asked to call the Center before walking in so that we may take proper precautions to limit contact with others.

The Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

For more information about H1N1 flu, including good health guidelines, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html. For information about Delaware General Health District flu shot clinics, visit www.delawarehealth.org.

Thank you for helping us to keep our campus healthy.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

September 30, 2009

Although Ohio Wesleyan still has no confirmed on-campus cases of H1N1 flu, we have examined our first student with an influenza-like illness. The student has left campus to recuperate at home.

This fact—combined with the change in the weather, the number of flu cases being investigated in Delaware County, and the number of OWU students reporting colds and sniffles—serves as an important reminder for all of us to follow good personal hygiene and health practices. We advise everyone to do this for the overall health of the campus and Delaware community.

Students who develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of fever greater than or equal to 100 degrees, a cough, and/or a sore throat, are asked to contact the Student Health Center immediately at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. Faculty and staff should contact their personal healthcare providers. Additional symptoms that may accompany an influenza-like illness include body aches, chills, nausea, and a runny nose.

General safety precautions for both seasonal and H1N1 flu include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face as much as possible.
• Cough and sneeze into disposable tissues and immediately place used tissues into a waste basket. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands; if a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water, especially after using a tissue, the restroom, or helping someone who is sick. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and rinse well. Use a disposable paper towel to dry your hands, and use the towel to turn off the faucet and open the restroom door.
• If you are experiencing flu symptoms, avoid contact with others as much as possible, especially if you have a fever. Students will be asked to recuperate at home, if possible, or in isolated areas. Stay away from others who are sick.
• Follow good-health guidelines: eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, stay physically active, and manage stress.

Regarding vaccinations, the Student Health Center has not yet received its shipment of regular seasonal flu vaccine, but we will share information about student inoculation clinics as soon as possible. Students who wish to be vaccinated more quickly should visit an off-campus inoculation clinic. All faculty and staff who wish to be vaccinated should visit an off-campus inoculation clinic so that we can ensure sufficient vaccine for students. Information about the availability of H1N1 vaccinations for priority recipients also will be shared as soon as possible.

For more information about H1N1 flu, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html. For information about Delaware General Health District flu shot clinics, visit www.delawarehealth.org.

Thank you for helping us to keep our campus healthy.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

September 15, 2009

If you develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of fever greater than or equal to 100 degrees, a cough and/or sore throat, please contact the Student Health Center at (740) 368-3160 or (740) 368-3162. Additional symptoms may include body aches, chills, nausea, and a runny nose.

You will be screened via telephone and scheduled for an appointment if necessary. If you also have respiratory or chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes), you will be asked to come to the Center to be evaluated as soon as possible.

The Student Health Center, located inside the Wellness Center in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For urgent medical assistance at other times, contact Grady Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department at (740) 615-1165.

If you are diagnosed with the flu, Ohio Wesleyan will ask you to go home to recuperate if at all possible. Please remember, however, that you should not travel via public transportation while you are ill. Instead, you should make arrangements with parents or friends to drive you.

If you are unable to leave campus, you will be asked to move from your residence room to a special isolation area. Use of such areas will allow Ohio Wesleyan to better monitor your condition, provide food delivery, inform professors of your illness, and more effectively protect the health of the campus community. You will remain in isolation until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. (If you live in a single room with a private bathroom, you may self-isolate in your room, but you must arrange for a friend to bring your meals.)

If you live in a residence hall and leave campus to recover, you must contact your Residential Life coordinator to share your whereabouts. If you live in a fraternity house, you must contact your house advisor. In all cases, you will be responsible for coordinating with friends and faculty members to obtain your class assignments, notes, etc.

Regarding inoculations, federal officials still anticipate that vaccine for the H1N1 flu will be available in October, but initial supplies likely will be limited. College students remain on the priority list for vaccination. You are strongly encouraged to get this inoculation, especially if you are susceptible to the flu and related complications.

Though the initial supply of H1N1 vaccine may be limited, it is expected that all students will be able to receive on-campus vaccinations for regular, seasonal flu. These inoculations will cost $20 per person and also are strongly recommended. The fee may be paid by cash or check, or charged to a student account, at the time of service. You then may seek reimbursement from your health insurer. Dates and times of OWU vaccinations clinics will be shared as soon as possible. Faculty and staff will be asked to obtain flu shots off campus until the University is sure a sufficient vaccination supply will be available.

On a positive note, although this flu remains highly contagious, it is not lasting as long as predicted in some people. Instead of being sick for an average of 5-7 days, some patients are recovering after as few as three days.

To help lessen your chance of becoming ill, please continue to wash your hands frequently with hot water and soap, or use hand sanitizer. Also, please use disposable tissues for coughing and sneezing. These simple acts will help to provide some of our campus’ strongest protections.

For more information on OWU and the flu, visit safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html. When Ohio Wesleyan has its first diagnosed case of influenza-related illness, we will order lab tests to determine the type of virus involved. When the H1N1 virus is discovered, we will share this information with you via e-mail, so please keep watching and reading for further updates.

If you have questions, please contact the Student Health Center. Thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

August 21, 2009

As many of you know, the H1N1 virus has remained active over the summer. As of this writing, more than 7,500 cases have been reported in the United States, with occurrences in 51 states and territories. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is concerned the H1N1 virus could result in a particularly severe flu season this year. Vaccination remains the best tool to prevent influenza, and the CDC recommends people get immunized as soon as possible.

Currently, only regular seasonal influenza vaccine is available. The Student Health Center has not received its shipment yet, but we will share information about on-campus flu clinics as soon as possible. Seasonal flu vaccine is not expected to provide protection against novel H1N1 influenza, but a separate H1N1 vaccine is in production and likely will be ready in October. The H1N1 vaccine also is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine. Instead, the two are intended to be used in combination.

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a panel of medical and public health experts, met in July to recommend who should receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. College-age students are considered at risk and, as of now, will be part of the priority group for H1N1 vaccination. The current priority group also includes:

• Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants less than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus.
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel because infections among healthcare workers have been reported, and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity.
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age.
• Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in children, and they are in close contact with each other in school and daycare settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because we have seen many cases of novel H1N1 influenza in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

When—and if—Ohio Wesleyan receives a shipment of H1N1 vaccine, we will communicate how the vaccine will be distributed.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of people infected with the H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

If you are sick, you may be ill for a week or more. Other than for medical care or necessities, you should stay home and avoid contact with others during your illness. You should not resume normal activities, including travel or returning to work or school, until at least 24 hours after you remain fever-free without taking fever-reducing medications.

Students who exhibit severe flu-like symptoms or are at high risk for developing flu complications (those with asthma or other chronic illnesses) should contact the OWU Student Health Center at (740) 368-3160. Students who come to the center with flu-like symptoms will be asked to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue or to wear a breathing mask, and also to avoid contact with others at the center.

Some of the same antiviral medications used to treat other influenza A infections are used to treat H1N1 flu. However, these medications must be started within 48 hours after symptoms begin in order to have a beneficial effect. Otherwise, over-the-counter medications may be used for symptomatic relief, along with rest and fluids. Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections, including influenza.

Chartwells will prepare special boxed meals for students with influenza that friends or roommates may pick up and deliver to the affected student—with pre-approval from the Student Health Center.

Faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should contact their family physicians for guidance.

General safety precautions for both seasonal and H1N1 flu include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face as much as possible; this is how germs spread. Use your own pens to take notes, sign receipts, etc.
• Maintain good hygiene. Influenza is easily spread by coughing and sneezing, as well as by germs on people’s hands.
• Cough and sneeze into disposable tissues and immediately place used tissues into a waste basket. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands; if a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands frequently, especially after using a tissue, the restroom, or helping someone who is sick. It is also important to wash your hands after handling raw or undercooked poultry, meat, fish, and eggs, as well as after touching animals or reptiles. When washing your hands, apply soap to wet hands and thoroughly cover all areas including under your fingernails. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, then rinse well. Use a disposable paper towel to dry your hands, and then use the towel to turn off the faucet and to open the restroom door.
• If you are experiencing flu symptoms, avoid contact with others as much as possible. Stay home, especially if you have a fever. Stay away from others who are sick. Keep in mind, however, that the virus may be spread before any symptoms are present.
• Follow good-health guidelines: eat nutritious foods, drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep, stay physically active, and manage stress.

For more information, visit the OWU Web site at safety.owu.edu/H1N1Influenza.html. Additional information also is available at www.cdc.gov, at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm, and at www.delawarehealth.org.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important information. Let’s all work together to keep our campus healthy this year.

Sincerely,
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services

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