With the extensive media coverage, everyone knows that the flu season is expected to be significant this year. While the number of cases is expected to increase, this year’s flu strains, including the H1N1 virus are not currently being seen as any more dangerous than those typical of any flu season. However you should be aware of some information regarding preparations for the flu season that have been underway at the University.

 The University has been working with the local and State departments of health and relying on guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, and the American College Health Association in establishing all policies and procedures pertaining to the management of this year’s flu outbreak. To date we have had fewer than 15 cases reported. 

Some of the steps taken by the University, consistent with current CDC guidelines, include:

• Established formal liaisons with appropriate health agencies to ensure immediate access to updated information and recommendations;
• Convened a Flu Advisory Committee for the campus to facilitate communication and situation management;
  
• Launched an extensive multi media campaign focused on prevention;
  
• Ensured University registration as an eligible distribution site of the H1N1 vaccine once it becomes available in October;
• An on-campus flu clinic for the distribution of seasonal flu vaccines has already been held;
• Developed an on-campus support network to help care for students who cannot get home;
• Expanded housekeeping activities; and
• Updated the University’s emergency management plan to ensure institutional readiness should the outbreak warrant its engagement.

There are a few things that we all can do to help keep our community healthy, and to help manage the situation on campus.

• Keep yourself healthy, and follow good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to avoid spreading infection.
• Make sure you know the flu symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat and stuffy nose) and stay home if you have fever. (fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to class or work)
• You may want to prepare a “flu kit” for your home or residence hall room with a thermometer, non-aspirin fever medication and fluids (Gatorade etc.).
• Don’t overreact.  The vast majority of people who get sick will not require any extraordinary measures to make a full recovery.

If you have special underlying medical concerns, you should contact the student health service or a primary care physician to discuss your concerns. For more detailed information you are strongly encouraged to log onto the websites of the CDC or Seton Hall’s Health Services department. 

For any other questions or concerns, call the office of the Dean of Students at (973) 761-9076 in order to allow health services personnel to focus on caring for students.