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What is SUNY Cobleskill doing in response to the H1N1 virus?
Consent Form - Students Under 18 years of age
Since the onset of the H1N1 influenza (formally Swine influenza), SUNY Cobleskill continues to closely monitor reports regarding cases of the flu nationally as well as worldwide. Our campus Crisis Management and our pandemic flu subgroup continue to meet regarding this current issue. We remain in close contact with our county health department, New York State Health Department and the Center for Disease Control in order to stay abreast of the latest recommendations.
Our current emphasis is to educate our campus community regarding transmission and prevention of the illness. Our efforts have included the following:
- Installation of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campus including residential and academic buildings.
- Information sharing regarding H1N1 with Resident Hall Directors and Residential Assistants during training.
- Training of our university’s Student Medical Response Team regarding caring for individuals with flu symptoms.
- Distribution of personal bottles of hand sanitizers to our student population upon arrival at their residence hall along with educational information regarding “How to Stay Healthy at SUNY Cobleskill”
- Distribution of posters regarding prevention strategies in areas throughout campus including dining facilities, residential halls and restroom areas.
- Information sharing regarding prevention strategies can also be found on a variety of media venues including Student Sharepoint.
- A seasonal flu clinic will be held on October 8, 2009 for students, faculty and staff. Although efforts are being made to have a quantity of vaccine available for our students, we are unable to guarantee that every student will receive a seasonal flu vaccination. Therefore, we recommend that you consult your family physician in regard to receiving seasonal flu vaccination at home.
- Although H1N1 vaccine is currently in clinical trial, the Crisis Management Team is meeting with our county department of health to plan for vaccination of our students.
- Community education workshops through residential hall programs regarding how to stay health at SUNY Cobleskill.
Both seasonal and H1N1 influenza are spread through respiratory droplets when a person who has the flu coughs and/or sneezes. To reduce your risk we urge everyone to do the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Dispose of the tissue in a trash receptacle.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Rub the sanitizer into your hands until your hands are dry.
- Do not share eating or drinking utensils.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. This is how the flu virus enters your body and also how you can spread germs to others.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Eat a healthy diet and get enough sleep.
What are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu?
The signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu include the following:
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Chills
- Feeling tired
Some people who have been infected with the flu have also experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
What should I do if I think I have the flu?
If you have symptoms of the flu, you should avoid classes and public spaces. If your symptoms are mild you may not need to see a health care provider. If you are in doubt, call your personal physician, or the Wellness Center at 518-255-5225 for advice and guidance. A large portion of individuals who become ill will have mild to moderate illness and should recover in about 1 week or less without any medical intervention. If you have flu symptoms, you will be asked to leave campus and return home to self-isolate and recuperate. We urge you to do so by non-public transportation means.
However, if you are ill with the flu and are pregnant or have a chronic medical illness, please call your personal physician, or the Wellness Center at the number listed above.
If you experience any of the following signs:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Flu symptoms improve but then return with fever and cough
Immediately seek medical care by calling 911 or University Police at 5555.
The current recommendation for returning to work or classes is 24 hours after you are free from fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
What do I do if I am feeling anxious about the flu?
It is very common for people to experience anxiety during times of stress. It is important that you manage your fear and anxiety and do not panic. Listed below are things you can do to manage your anxiety:
- Keep yourself informed with accurate information.
- Do not flood yourself with constant television or news watching regarding the flu
- Turn to family, friends and loved ones for support and talk to them about your feelings and concerns.
- Recognize that what you are feeling is normal.
- Keep your usual routine and find ways to be kind and pamper yourself.
- Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs.
If you are experiencing any one or more of these problems:
- Inability to return to a normal routine.
- Feeling extremely helpless.
- Having thoughts of hurting oneself or others.
- Using drugs or alcohol excessively
Contact the Wellness Center at 518-255-5225 or University Police at 5555
New Student Letter issued at arrival regarding H1N1 - Parent letter
SUNY Cobleskill's Wellness Center conducted an H1N1 Clinic on Monday, Nov. 2 and Wednesday, Nov. 4,
from 4 – 7 p.m in the Bouck Ballroom.
H1N1 Influenza Vaccine: What you need to know:
For more information regarding the H1N1 flu clinic (518) 255-5214
