Dear Students,

As we prepare to enter the fall semester, we would like to update you on the steps we’ve taken to prepare for possible cases of the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu at Georgetown and remind you of the importance of taking appropriate precautions to stay healthy. The University’s emergency response team has been in touch with federal and local public health officials throughout the summer and been meeting regularly to develop a series of measures aimed at reducing the risk of infection on campus and providing support for those who may become ill.

The H1N1 virus has continued to spread during the summer months. The virus is present in the D.C. metro area, as it is in many areas throughout the United States, and we have seen a small number of cases in students on campus this summer. Individuals who were ill have fully recovered and are no longer contagious.

Medical experts have observed the virus to be highly contagious but in the vast majority of cases relatively mild. But just like any flu virus, the H1N1 virus can have serious implications for individuals with underlying health conditions. For this reason, we are asking that students take some precautionary measures before arriving on campus this fall.

If you currently have the flu, delay your arrival to campus. If you have the flu or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, we ask you to delay your return to campus until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication, in accordance with current CDC recommendations. Symptoms of H1N1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and in some cases gastrointestinal upset. Students delaying their return to campus because of illness must notify their academic dean’s office as soon as possible.

Bring a non-mercury thermometer. We ask that you bring your own, non-mercury thermometer to campus so as to be better able to monitor your own health. We also recommend that you bring tissues, hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and cleaning wipes for your room to help combat the spread of any potential H1N1 cases on campus.

If you become ill with influenza-like illness once on campus, call the Student Health Center’s H1N1 advice line at (202) 784-H1N1. Should you experience flu-like symptoms after arriving on campus, limit your contact with other people as much as you can and contact Student Health’s H1N1 advice line at 784-H1N1 (4161) as soon as possible. Students who may need further medical evaluation will be directed to the Student Health Center, located on the ground floor of Darnall Hall. Students who are ill with influenza should stay in their rooms until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. The seasonal flu vaccine will be available on campus later in the fall, and we will alert you when you can receive it. We are also working closely with the District of Columbia’s Department of Public Health to distribute the H1N1 vaccine if and when one becomes available.

REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT MEASURES TO AVOID THE FLU:

The university will continue the proactive steps we’ve put in place to limit exposure to both the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. When you return to campus, you will find hand sanitizing stations and health information posted around campus aimed at reducing the risk of infection. We will also continue to monitor the situation, remaining flexible to take any additional steps that may be appropriate for the university community.

For more information about the H1N1 virus, including links to the CDC website and the resources available on campus, visit Georgetown’s emergency preparedness website.
Sincerely,

Todd Olson
Vice President of Student Affairs


James Welsh, MD, MPH
Assistant Vice President for Student Health