H1N1 Letter to Denison Employees - August 25, 2009

A letter to Denison employees from the Human Resources Director

To: Faculty and Staff

From: Jim Ables, Director, Denison University Human Resources

Date: August 25, 2009

Re: H1N1 Influenza Virus – Maintaining Programs - Expectations for Faculty and Staff

It is difficult not to pick up a newspaper or listen to broadcast news without hearing a piece on the H1N1 or Swine Flu. No one knows for certain how this will affect us at Denison but steps have been taken to be prepared. The good news is that early indications are the symptoms for H1N1 flu don’t appear more severe than those of seasonal influenza that normally circulate in the US during the fall and winter months each year. Nonetheless, we want you to be aware of steps that have been taken to prepare for this flu and advise what is expected of you as we work together to insure the programs of the college are carried out.

You should have received and read the letter to the Denison Community by Dr. Chuck Marty, Medical Director for Denison’s Health Services department, regarding the current status of the H1N1 influenza virus and what you can do to prevent and manage the spread of the disease. It’s also advantageous to be aware of the message that has been given to students.

The following information is from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

First, let’s review again, the symptoms; they are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

To reduce the spread of (H1N1) influenza virus in the workplace, you should: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (throw the tissue in the trash after use), or, cover the cough or sneeze with your sleeve in the bend of your elbow, rather than coughing into your hand; wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze; alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth - germs spread this way; and, if possible, avoid close contact with sick people.

Office Services will have “desk size” sanitizers available for departmental use. You should order them from Office Services as we have received lower pricing by purchasing sanitizers in bulk (cost is charged to your supplies and services account). Additionally, hand sanitizer dispensers will be placed at many buildings throughout campus to encourage good hygiene and help reduce the spread of the disease.

If you are sick or someone in your family is sick, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Stay home if you are sick. This will greatly reduce the spread of the disease. You should contact Human Resources at ext. 6299 with any questions on your sick leave benefit, leave donation policy, and other leave related questions.
If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness, you should isolate yourself at home and go out only when necessary so as to avoid contact with others who may not be ill. This isolation should continue until the fever is gone and there have been no symptoms of fever (sweats and chills) for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of fever reducing medications.
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with H1N1 flu can go to work as usual (Note: It’s understood that some employees may need to stay at home to care for an ill dependent, which is provided for under sick leave policies). Those with an ill family member will need to monitor their own health every day, notifying their supervisor and staying home if they become ill. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness. If you need more information on caring for an ill family member, or yourself, visit the CDC site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.
If an employee suspects that they have been exposed to a sick person with novel H1N1 influenza they may continue to go to work as usual. Again, these employees should monitor their health every day and should notify their supervisor and stay home if they become ill.

This year the vaccine for seasonal influenza will be offered on campus as follows:

For employees: The Licking County Health Department will offer vaccines on campus for employees on September 30 and October 14.
For students: Maxim Health will offer vaccines for on-campus students on October 22.

This vaccine will NOT provide protection against the H1N1 strain of influenza. The CDC is working to produce a specific H1N1 vaccine that will be available later this fall. While the seasonal influenza vaccine will not prevent the H1N1 strain, it is recommended you receive a flu shot to avoid getting sick with the seasonal flu. More to come on this topic later.

We will keep you apprised of updates regarding the H1N1 influenza virus. You can visit the CDC’s Web site (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu) for additional information. Absenteeism caused by the flu will be monitored closely amongst the faculty as well as with staff in essential areas like the Student Health Center, Dining Services, Building Services and Security, and others. Faculty may need to be more flexible than normal with course scheduling and requirements, and supervisors prepared to provide help where help is needed in other essential areas. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor or our office.

Thank you.