Preparing for Pandemic Flu

University Health Service (UHS)

Preparing for Pandemic Flu - Fall 2009 (Updated 11/18/09)

The number of cases of influenza-like illness among University of Rochester students has increased in the last two weeks. In September and early October, UHS tracked about 10 cases a week. During the last two weeks that number has more than tripled and is in keeping with what is happening across New York State. Fortunately, the cases continue to be mild to moderate, and no students have required admission to the hospital. If you call UHS, please be patient. We are receiving a large number of calls every day. We are also making a large number of calls to students who are isolated in their rooms. If you call, you may be asked to leave a phone number for someone to call you back. You will be called back as soon as possible.

Don’t Carry the Flu with You

Be careful not to spoil the fun of Thanksgiving and winter break by getting sick with the flu. If you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, contact University Health Service for advice via the Web or in person. To avoid the flu and colds, follow basic preventive steps like washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes. And treat yourself right with sufficient sleep and healthy meals and liquids. For more…

Especially for parents – Special Edition of the Parents Buzz, November 2009

Flu Shots:

The University Health Service has received a very limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. UHS patients who meet specific criteria will be targeted for this first round of vaccine. Patients who do not meet these criteria are not eligible to receive the vaccine at this time. As of November 13, UHS does not have seasonal flu vaccine. If we receive more vaccine in the future, we will notify students and other UHS patients through multiple means. Check the Monroe County Health Department web site for clinics in the Rochester area. For more info…

If you are sick...

Stay in your room if you are sick. If you think you might have the flu and call UHS at 585-275-2662. A UHS clinical staff member will call you back. You should wear a mask when your roommate is in the room and when you need to leave the room to use the bathroom. Dining Services has prepared “Instructions for Meal Service during Isolation for Students Living on Campus with a Meal Plan” to help students obtain food when they are ill.

Be prepared...

The University Health Service recommends that students have supplies in their room. Recommended supplies include cold medicines, tissues, alcohol-based hand cleaners, and a thermometer. Thermometers can be purchased at UHS for $5.00. Thermometers can also be purchased at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore.

Keep informed:

The University’s H1N1 Flu page is updated daily.

Printed Materials

Feeling Sick? Use our self-assessment tool to help decide if you have an influenza-like illness.

From the UHS Health Promotion Office

Should You Stay Home? New Poster

Staying Healthy: Take everyday actions to stay healthy.

Feeling Sick? Follow our chart for help. – A self-assessment tool.

Staying Healthy / Feeling Sick?

Don’t Share Your Germs

Ways to Stay Healthy – UHS Monthly Installment (August/September 2009)

Is It a Cold or the Flu? Know the Difference

If You are Feeling Sick– Recommendations from UHS for students who are experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI).

Presentations

Novel H1N1 Influenza 2009 – Presentation given to parents of freshmen by Ralph Manchester, MD, Director of the University Health Service.

Novel H1N1 Influenza November 2009 – Presentation given to UHS staff members by Ralph Manchester, MD, Director of the University Health Service.

From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Cover Your Cough, Clean Your Hands (Poster)

All You Have to Do is Wash Your Hands (Podcast)

From the New York State Department of Health

Educational Materials - Novel H1N1 Influenza and Seasonal Influenza – Poster topics include: “Keep Your Germs to Yourself,” “Stop! Do You Have a Fever? Cough? Trouble Breathing?” and “Got the Flu? Here’s What to Do: Ask for A Mask.”

Self Care – For the Flu and Colds

Recommendations for caring for the flu, four common cold symptoms, and a self assessment tool to help you decide what to do if you are feeling sick.

Be Prepared - Supplies to have in your room:

Cold medicines

Tissues

Alcohol-based hand cleaners

Thermometer *

* Available for purchase for $5.00 at UHS and Barnes & Noble.

Keep Informed

Links to useful web sites that are updated regularly.

University of Rochester Emergency H1N1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

New York Department of Health (NYDOH)

World Health Organization (WHO)