Dickinson believes unequivocally in advance planning. Every year the college closely monitors the levels of influenza illness across the country. The college is then able to ready the campus community and to respond in the most effective manner. This webpage is your source for the most up-to-date information on Dickinson's plans in response to influenza-like illness on campus.
Feb. 8, 2013
The H3N2 flu, which had an earlier than normal start, has now for the most part reached its peak. The flu season may last through late spring, but there is no longer an epidemic in this area. Dickinson has scaled back its college-wide response at this time and effective immediately the "flureport" e-mail has been deactivated. Students who develop flu symptoms after "flureport" has been deactivated are encouraged to schedule an appointment at the Wellness Center.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Wellness Center, Health Services at 717-245-1663.
Sincerely,
Mary Polson, BSN, CRNP, MSN
Director, Health Services
Wellness Center
Jan. 18, 2013
Got the Flu? The College can help!
According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s influenza (H3N2) activity continues to increase in the United States with most of the country now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness. Flu-like symptoms include SUDDEN ONSET of cough, fever, sore throat, headache and/or body aches. Dickinson College has established an e-mail address for you to report your illness and receive support services that will make it easier for you to focus on your recovery.
Just send an e-mail to flureport@dickinson.edu and we will do the following:
1. Notify Academic Advising who will alert your professors.
2. If you are on a meal plan, a roommate or friend can pick-up your meals. You also have the option of a pre-packaged bag from Dining Services that contains soups, juices, Gatorade and other food items to help you feel better and keep you hydrated. In either case your roommate or friend needs to bring your ID card to swipe in Dining Services.
3. If you live in campus housing, Student Senate has arranged to have volunteers deliver to you a flu kit to assist you in treating your symptoms. This kit will contain surgical masks that must be worn whenever your roommate or others are present and whenever you must leave your room (e.g., to go to the bathroom, to visit the Wellness Center, etc.). It also will contain other over-the-counter products to assist in your self-care until you can get your own supplies.
When you e-mail flureport@dickinson.edu, please provide:
- Name and class year
- Residence Hall & Room Number (campus housing only)
- Phone number (cell or room)
Remember that one of the most effective ways to limit the transmission of influenza-like virus to others is to stay in your room (isolation) until your symptoms have subsided and you are no longer contagious. Generally, this means you should remain in your room until you are fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of any fever-reducing medication. The college expects you to follow this advice.
Receiving a seasonal flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your chances of getting the flu—particularly if you are in a high-risk category. We strongly encourage you to receive the flu vaccine if you have not already done so. If you are uncertain as to whether you can receive the flu vaccine, please consult with your physician. It’s not too late. The Wellness Center still has vaccine available for $15. Students may call the office to schedule an appointment.
Students who develop the flu DO NOT need to visit the Wellness Center to have this diagnosed. “flureport” is available to all students, even if you have chosen not to seek medical care for your symptoms. The best treatment for flu symptoms includes rest, hydration, and over the counter fever reducing medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if not allergic).
The Wellness Center recommends that you DO seek medical attention if you are at high risk for developing complications from the flu. People who are at high risk include those with asthma or other chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart conditions/disease, liver disease, blood disorders, neurologic or neuromuscular disorders, immunosuppression caused by medications or HIV, or pregnancy. Even if you chose not to seek medical attention initially, you should seek medical care immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms:
• Have difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Have purple or blue discoloration of the lips
• Are vomiting and are unable to keep liquids down
• Have signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, dark urine or absence of urination
• Have seizures (i.e. uncontrolled convulsions)
• Are less responsive than normal or become confused
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Wellness Center, Health Services at 717-245-1663.
Sincerely,
Mary Polson, BSN, CRNP, MSN
Director, Health Services
Wellness Center
Jan. 11, 2013
Dear Student and Parent or Guardian:
I hope that you’re having an enjoyable winter break. My colleagues and I look forward to your return later this month. Many of us have been working to ready ourselves for that event and to anticipate all those issues that might be part of the upcoming semester.
An important and necessary part of the college’s preparation for the spring semester includes precautionary planning in case there is a flu outbreak on campus during the academic year. Dickinson College believes unequivocally in advance planning, which is one reason we were able to manage effectively H1N1 when it hit college campuses in 2009. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s influenza (H3N2) activity continues to increase in the United States, with most of the country now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness.
This letter is meant to provide you with the most current information available regarding the college’s plans to address the possibility of influenza-like illness on campus.
Dickinson’s Response Plan: Dickinson has gathered a Flu Response Team that is meeting regularly to monitor and manage influenza-like illness on campus. Team members include representatives from all areas of the college who have a role in responding to an outbreak of the flu—from professionals in our Wellness Center to individuals responsible for housekeeping and food service. Our efforts are intended to address comprehensively the issues that may arise and to make adjustments as necessary due to new information or guidance.
Promote Vaccination: Receiving a seasonal flu vaccination is the most effective way to reduce your chances of getting the flu—particularly if you are in a high-risk category. We strongly encourage you to receive the flu vaccine before returning to campus if you have not already done so. If you are uncertain as to whether you can receive the flu vaccine, please consult with your physician before returning to campus.
Returning to Campus: Should you begin to exhibit flu-like symptoms in the days leading up to your return to campus, please remain at home until you are fever-free for a minimum of 24-hours. If you will not be present the first day of classes due to the flu, please send an e-mail to flureport@dickinson.edu and include your name, class year, residence hall and cell phone number. We will make certain your professors know you will be out and ask that they make accommodations for you to make up your work.
Study-Abroad Programs: Students who are studying abroad on a Dickinson program, Dickinson partner program or non-Dickinson program should follow the advice and policies of the program director, host institution/program, local government and health-authority guidelines in addition to the personal hygiene recommendations in this letter. For additional information Email global@dickinson.edu.
Environmental Conditions: One way the flu spreads is when a person touches an inanimate object that hosts the virus, such as a doorknob, then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth. Studies have shown that human influenza viruses generally can survive on a surface for between two and eight hours. During that period sufficient heat, germicides, detergents and alcohols are effective in killing the influenza virus when used correctly. Our housekeeping and facilities staff have reviewed the college’s cleaning practices and disinfectants used in common spaces as well as residence halls; we are pleased to report that Dickinson meets or exceeds the standards recommended by the CDC. In addition, the college will increase the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and/or wipes in locations where soap and water is not readily available.
Dickinson will continue to adjust its planning as necessary. If you have additional questions about the college’s plans to address this issue, please contact the Dickinson College Wellness Center at health@dickinson.edu.
Sincerely,
William G. Durden ’71
President