August 31, 2009

Dear Faculty and Staff,

As we prepare to begin the busy fall semester, we are writing to provide you with updated information about H1N1 influenza and to remind you of the continued importance of taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of this virus. 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 individuals to take appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of this flu virus:

• Faculty and staff who are ill should stay home and contact their personal physician. Health officials advise that individuals with influenza-like illness should stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication, in accordance with current CDC recommendations. Per the university's paid leave policies, employees should contact their supervisor to report their absence from work.
• 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 in close communication with the District of Columbia’s Department of Public Health regarding the development and distribution of an H1N1 vaccine. We will communicate the information we receive about the H1N1 vaccine as that becomes available.

REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT MEASURES TO AVOID THE FLU:

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is an appropriate alternative.
• Always cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and immediately throw the tissue away in a proper receptacle. As an alternative, cough or sneeze into the inside of the elbow.

The university will continue the proactive steps we’ve put in place to limit exposure to both the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses. 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 and updates as they become available, including links to the CDC and relevant University policies related to a health alert on campus, visit Georgetown’s emergency preparedness website.

Sincerely,
Mary Anne Mahin, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer

James Welsh, M.D., MPH, Assistant Vice President for Student Health

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