H1N1 Flu Virus
GOSHEN, Ind. – Goshen College is closely monitoring local and national health advisories concerning the H1N1 flu virus, implementing preventative strategies to reduce the spread of both the seasonal flu and H1N1, and responding to several suspected cases of the flu.
The Goshen College Student Health and Wellness Center reports that, as of Sept. 10, 2009, some students have presented symptoms of influenza and, on the advisement of the Elkhart County Health Department, these cases are being treated as the H1N1 flu, although they have not been confirmed.
Two students have gone home to recover; one student is being isolated on campus in East Hall, a former campus residence which has been set aside for potentially ill students; and several more cases are being looked into of students who missed class because of illness. The college is working closely with the Elkhart County Health Department to monitor the situation and possible impacts.
“We know people will get sick with the flu this year, but we are keeping a focus on proactive measures to limit the spread of illness as much as we can,” said Frank Johnson, crisis management coordinator and special assistant to the president. “We have taken a number of steps as a campus to educate students and employees about what they can do for self-care and have developed a campus plan to respond to the situations that arise.”
The precautions the college has taken in relation to the H1N1 flu virus:
- Goshen College has a pandemic flu plan that identifies steps to be taken in response to suspected or confirmed cases of the flu. The plan is under continual review by the Crisis Management Team. The college will act appropriately to minimize the impact of suspected and confirmed cases of the flu on students, faculty, staff, campus visitors and our community.
- The Health and Wellness Center will administer flu vaccines to students and employees when they become available.
- The college has identified campus space and procedures to isolate students with suspected or confirmed cases of flu who are unable to go home, and to provide them with food, medicine and class work as needed.
- Although CDC guidelines do not require a school closure because of isolated cases of H1N1, the college is prepared to close the campus if directed to do so by health officials. At this time though, all classes, programs (including Study-Service Term) and college activities are proceeding as scheduled.
- Goshen College administrators will continue to monitor the flu situation and keep the campus community and parents informed about any developments. A three-tier upgraded emergency notification system has been installed to assist with this, and updates will be posted on this Web site.
Preventative measures have been taken, including the installation of hand sanitizers, the purchase of surgical masks and the distribution of information to promote good health and prevent the spread of the flu.
More information: Precautions to take | List of Symptoms | Treatment advice | Resources links
Previous advisories: H1N1 Advisory on Aug. 26, 2009 (PDF 36.4 KB)
