Updates on the H1N1 Virus

Dominican University has been closely monitoring developments surrounding the H1N1 virus (formerly referred to as swine flu) and we wanted to let you know that we have a plan for handling the situation should this virus become a problem on campus. Thus far, few cases of the virus have been reported to our Wellness Center.

Information about the H1N1 virus has been accessible through the university's website (www.dom.edu) since mid-September. Information concerning the virus has also been sent, via email, to all students, faculty and staff. We have encouraged our community to refer to our webpage for regular updates on the flu.

We have strongly encouraged our community to be vigilant in their personal hygiene to help prevent the spread of illness. This includes frequent and thorough hand washing; coughing or sneezing into one's arm or a tissue instead of the hand; and using sanitizers and wipes before and after using common keyboards, desks and equipment. We have installed hand sanitizers throughout the campus for students' use, particularly in the library, technology center and dining areas.

Most importantly, we have strongly encouraged students to go home, if at all possible, if they experience influenza-like illness. We are asking students to stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. We are requesting your help and cooperation in providing a place for students to stay while they recover.

We have also asked our faculty to be reasonable and flexible with ill students as we all try to navigate somewhat extraordinary circumstances this flu season. We are confident that our faculty will work individually with students to help them make up work missed while they convalesce.

Our Wellness Center provided a seasonal flu clinic for students last month. All available supplies of the seasonal flu shots are now depleted but we expect the remainder of our supply later this season. When they become available, the shots will cost students $10. We are suggesting that students consider getting seasonal flu shots from their personal physicians or from local pharmacies and clinics.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified college students as a high-risk population for the H1N1 flu. For that reason, the Wellness Center anticipates offering clinics later this fall for the H1N1 flu vaccine when those supplies become available to the university. We will keep students apprised, through our website, of the dates for those clinics once we have more information from the Illinois Department of Public Health. You might want to consider having your student make an appointment with his/her health care provider to receive the H1N1 shot.

Please feel free to check Dominican's website for updates on the H1N1 flu virus on campus. Please also feel free to contact me at (708) 524-6822 if you have any questions about how the university is handling this influenza. Thank you in advance for working with the university to keep our students healthy during this season.