UMass Boston in the News

H1N1 Flu Virus Community Update, with Patrick Day

September 30, 2009
by Patrick Day

H1N1 Flu Virus Community Update, with Patrick Day

Hi, this is Patrick Day, vice chancellor of student affairs. I wanted to take a couple of moments today to update the university community on what the institution is doing in response to the H1N1 virus, or Swine Flu virus, outbreak. The institution has taken the approach of concern as well as preparation. As such, the university is receiving daily updates from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, as well as the Boston Department of Public Health. In addition, the institution is updating emergency response protocols, as well as contingency plans.

Let me talk for a moment about some of the symptoms based upon the latest information we’re receiving from the organizations that I’ve mentioned previously. Symptoms include those associated with seasonal flu, specifically:

  • Fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body ache
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

So, please, pay attention. If you find yourself being symptomatic, we want you to immediately seek out a health care provider.

Let me talk also a little bit about what is being recommended as it relates to prevention. Many of these things sound like common sense measures, but they are indeed what are being recommended as best practices.

  • Keep immune system strong with regular exercise, vitamin-rich foods, sufficient sleep, and plenty of fluids.
  • Wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
  • Avoid sharing eating utensils, water bottles, towels or bedding without first washing these items first with soap and hot water.
  • Clean surfaces soiled with body fluids with a household disinfectant, and use gloves while cleaning.
  • Cover your cough. Cough unto your sleeve at the elbow.
  • Stay away from work or classes when sick with a fever or actively coughing.

If you are a student and you find yourself feeling symptomatic, please immediately go to university health services and get checked out. We want to make sure that you have the most, the best care we can possibly give to you. If you find yourself as a student off campus, we want you to seek out a primary care health provider so that you can get that care even if you don’t find yourself on the campus.

If you are a member of the faculty or staff, it is important to remain at home and immediately reach out and contact a primary care provider. If you are any member of the university community, and you find yourself with a diagnosis of H1N1virus or Swine Flu, please inform the university. We want you to do that so we can provide you with the best support that is possible as you go through this particular process.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact University Health Services at area code (617) 287-5660. If you are on campus, that number is 7-5660.

Thanks so much, and we’ll continue to keep you informed.

Tags:  H1N1 Virus 

Enjoy this post? Share it with others.

Leave a Comment

Please let us know what you think. Comments are moderated and will not appear until they have been reviewed and approved.
Name
Email
Comment
Notify me of follow-up comments?

  0 Comments