H1N1 Influenza Information
It seems likely that H1N1 will be part of the Kalamazoo College landscape for the foreseeable future. As of late summer 2009, the World Health Organization predicted that the H1N1 virus would persist into the coming months. We anticipate having to manage an outbreak on our own campus. The most important element in managing the H1N1 influenza outbreak is vigilance in prevention practices, and practices designed to limit the spread of the infection.
What the College Will Do
What Students Can Do
- If you are ill with the flu prior to your scheduled return to campus, please wait until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Please contact the Office of Student Development (studev@kzoo.edu) or 269.337.7210 if you will be late due to influenza.
- Consistently practice good flu prevention - wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water (alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also effective), cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue (then dispose of the tissue and wash hands) or a sleeve, regularly disinfect high touch surfaces (door knobs, shared computers, pens, and the like), avoid touching your face, avoid contact will others who are ill. Get plenty of rest and good nutrition.
- Notify the Student Health Center if you have underlying medical conditions that put you at risk for influenza, or for significant complications if you become infected with H1N1.
- Remember that most cases of H1N1 influenza are mild and require no medical intervention for a full recovery. The CDC suggests that acetaminophen and ibuprofen are effective fever reducers. They also encourage the consumption of plenty of clear fluids, if ill.
- Know the symptoms of influenza - fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and vomiting or diarrhea.
- Go home to recover from the flu if you become ill. If not, stay away from classes and other activities until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours. This time is necessary for your body to fully recover.
- If you are ill, notify your faculty members, coaches, conductors, directors, and work supervisors directly for accommodation, and please also notify your academic advisor. If you are on the meal plan, a friend can bring boxed meals to you if you notify Dining Services (269.337.7370).
- If your symptoms are severe or if you have questions, please contact the Student Health Center (269.337.7200).
- If you become ill after hours or during the weekend when the Student Health Center is closed, seek care at Bronson Family Medicine (269.341.8282). Please take your student ID and proof of insurance.
What Families Can Do
- Practice and encourage good flu prevention activities.
- Bring your student home to recover, should they become ill. Avoid public transportation, if possible. If they are unable to come home, remind them to rest, stay away from classes and other activities, and to contact appropriate staff and faculty directly.
- If your student's symptoms are severe, encourage them to contact the Student Health Center (269.337.7200) or, after hours, Bronson Family Medicine (269.341.8282).
- Provide good advice about identifying and recovering from the flu.
The severity of H1N1 at K will determine institutional action beyond those described here.
We encourage you to stay well informed about the status of H1N1 influenza, and seasonal influenza, through the following resources:
2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) How do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu? How does seasonal flu differ from pandemic flu? Frequent questions What is H1N1 (Swine Flu)? What should I do if I get sick?
