Influenza (H1N1) Information
Much is being said about Novel H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”). The impact of H1N1 has not yet been as severe as once projected, but remains on the forefront as it is a new strain of the influenza virus.
Cedarville University has an influenza response plan and task team in place. We are committed to maintaining a healthy environment for our students, faculty, staff and guests.
We trust that the following is helpful to you. This site is not exhaustive and we encourage you to learn more by visiting the websites listed in the Resources section.
If you have further questions, please also feel free to call the University Medical Services (UMS) Nurse's Line: 937-766-7863.
November 17, 2009
Limited H1N1 Vaccine For Priority Groups
The Greene County Combined Health District has released a very small supply of the H1N1 flu vaccine to our campus for priority groups only. There is no cost to get this vaccine.
If you cannot get to any of the community vaccination clinics and would like to get the vaccine on campus, you must:
1. Be in a priority group. University Medical Services (UMS) is not permitted to vaccinate anyone who is not in a priority group. Visit the Greene County Combined Health District website to determine if you are in a priority group.
2. Call the UMS office at 937-766-7862 to schedule an appointment.
3. Go to the H1N1 Vaccine web site to pre-register for your vaccine before you come for your appointment.
4. Print out a copy of your registration information after you save your information and bring it with you to your appointment. The registration form is required in order to get the vaccine at UMS.
Special Instructions for your registration:
Link to registration form
1. Choose “register new individual” on the web site above.
2. Follow the instructions, being sure to use your home address.
3. Be sure to check “head of household” since you are registering yourself.
4. Print off the page once you save the information and bring it with you to your appointment.
UMS will eventually get the large shipment we ordered, however, we do not know when the Ohio Department of Health will release the vaccine to clinics and doctor’s offices. We will keep you posted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What practical steps can I take to help protect myself and the campus community from the flu?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. Alcohol- based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you are coughing and sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Wash your clothes and linens regularly
- Frequently clean your living quarters
- Try to avoid close contact with sick individuals.
Q. What are the symptoms of seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu?
Symptoms of flu include fever or chills, cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness and sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include diarrhea or vomiting.
Q. How do I recognize a fever or signs of a fever?
A fever is a temperature that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when taken with a thermometer. Look for these possible signs of fever: you feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating or shivering.
Q. What should I do if I am feeling sick?
If you think you might have flu-like symptoms or think you might be getting the flu, you should call the UMS Nurse Line at 937-766-7863 (non-campus phone) or extension #7863 (on-campus phone) to speak with a nurse.
Please call before you come to get an appointment. Please do not walk in unless you are close by UMS.
By calling ahead of time, UMS can make sure that an RN or MD will be available to see you.
Q. What should I do if I get the flu?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals with flu-like illness should self- isolate.
Q. What is self-isolation?
Self-isolation is when sick individuals stay home and away from others until they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
During current flu conditions, individuals should avoid others until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. If flu conditions become more severe, those who are sick should stay at their home or residence hall for at least 7 days, even if symptoms go away sooner. People who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away.
Q. What steps should I take if my roommate is sick with the flu?
- You should limit your contact with your sick roomate and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet from him or her.
- If close contact cannot be avoided, your sick roommate should wear a surgical mask, if tolerable, when he or she is around you and others.
- You should frequently clean commonly-touched surfaces.
Q. As a parent of a student with the flu, should I bring them home?
If possible, residential students with flu-like illness whose families live relatively close to the campus should go home to self-isolate. They should return home in a way that limits contact with others as much as possible. For example, travel by private car would be preferable over use of public transportation.
Currently, the CDC is not recommending the departure of healthy students from campus.
Resources
General information can be found on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) web site
flu.gov - Know What to Do About the Flu
Greene County Combined Health District
H1N1 Rap by Dr. Jerome Clark (video)
Contact Info
Emergency: Dial 911
Non-emergency:
University Medical Services
Office Line: 937-766-7862
Nurse Line: 937-766-7863
UMS Home Page: www.cedarville.edu/ums
E-mail Contact Form