Emergency Preparedness

H1N1 Flu Information

H1N1 Flu Update - Friday November 6, 2009

SU’s Student Health Services (SHS) and other sentinel sites throughout Maryland have been instructed by the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to cease testing individuals with flu-like illness for H1N1 due to a shortage in culture material and the inability of the state lab to test the number of specimens now being submitted.

Instead, each site has been instructed to submit five cultures per week for the purposes of tracking the incidence of the disease geographically, monitoring resistance to antivirals and any mutation of the strain, and charting the arrival of regular seasonal flu.

This change in testing protocols inhibits SHS’s ability to track the number of confirmed cases and the level of H1N1 presence on campus. SHS has suspended wellness services such as routine GYN visits, physicals and other preventive care, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This is also occurring on other campuses throughout the University System of Maryland.

SHS received notification this week that H1N1 vaccine supplies are due to be shipped from DHMH. Campus clinics will be organized based on the number of vaccines available and priority directives issued from DHMH. Below are the current directives for vaccine distribution on the SU campus from DHMH and CDC:

• Pregnant students
• Students who are caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
• Students under age 65 with chronic health conditions
• Students 17-24 years of age

• Non-high risk groups, faculty and staff will receive the vaccine once these priority groups have been vaccinated. SHS will continue to order vaccine supplies as they become available until everyone wanting the vaccine receives it.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday October 30, 2009

The number of people with H1N1 symptoms continues to increase throughout Maryland including the Eastern Shore, the greater Salisbury community and Salisbury University as the pandemic progresses. SU's Student Health Services (SHS) continues to work with the Wicomico County Health Department and state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to monitor the disease and its activity. SHS participated in a DHMH teleconference this week which focused on H1N1 surveillance throughout the state.

Students are seeking care at SHS, as well as Peninsula Regional Medical Center's Emergency Department, urgent care centers and private physicians. Some are not ill enough to need medical care, but are still contagious. Controlling the spread of H1N1 is the most effective strategy in limiting the impact on the numbers of people who will contract the disease.

Students, faculty and staff who experience influenza-like symptoms are reminded to self-isolate and not attend class or work until fever-free for 24 hours. Students are advised to go home to recover. Those living with or having close contact with individuals who are at high risk due to pre-existing medical conditions are advised to have that person contact SHS or their healthcare provider to receive information about protecting themselves. The two hallmark symptoms of flu are a fever of 100 degrees or more AND a cough and/or sore throat. Individuals are contagious from 24 hours before the onset of symptoms until fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medications for 24 hours. The state reports that approximately 99 percent of all influenza cases are now considered to be H1N1 and should be treated accordingly.

SHS awaits the arrival of H1N1 vaccine, which currently has limited availability and is being disseminated at the state level based on priority groups. This Web site will be used, as well as the Campus Health Alert Hotline (410-543-7995), to inform the campus community when supplies become available.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday October 23, 2009

Welcome SU Alumni and Families to Homecoming 2009

SU alumni and family members who experience flu-like symptoms or other medical needs while on campus during Homecoming may seek care at:

• Emergency Department
  Peninsula Regional Medical Center
  100 East Carroll St.
  410-543-7101
   
• Your Doc’s In Urgent Care
  2425 N. Salisbury Blvd.
  (north of the mall on Route 13)
  443-944-0187

Symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever of 100 degrees or more
• Cough and/or sore throat
• Body aches and/or headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Nausea/vomiting

Preventive Measures:

• Frequent hand washing
• Hand sanitizing in the absence of water
• Staying away from sick persons
• Self-isolating if ill
• Coughing or sneezing into the elbow area
• Rest, proper nutrition, limiting alcohol

As manufacturers have re-directed production efforts from seasonal flu to H1N1 flu vaccine, many agencies and health organizations have learned that they will not receive further shipments of the seasonal flu vaccine. SU’s Student Health Services (SHS) was informed this week that it will not receive the remainder of its seasonal flu vaccine order, which was pre-booked last spring. Individuals are encouraged to check with their local health department or private healthcare provider, as any available supplies will be directed to these facilities.

SHS continues to see students with influenza-like illness and is testing patients for H1N1. Most have relatively mild symptoms and are usually resolving in three to four days. Individuals with influenza-like illness need to self-isolate and remain out of classes and other public spaces/gatherings until fever-free for 24 hours.

As a registered vaccination site for the State of Maryland, SHS anticipates receiving H1N1 vaccine in the coming weeks. In preparation for receiving H1N1 vaccine, SHS observed a mass seasonal vaccination clinic at College Park on Thursday, October 15. As soon as supplies are received, clinics here will be scheduled. The schedule of administration will be based on the priority groups defined by the Centers for Disease Control.

Please continue to monitor this Web site and campuswide e-mails for information about the availability of H1N1 vaccine, or call the Campus Health Alert Hotline, 410-543-7995.
 

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday October 16, 2009

Supplies of live, attenuated H1N1 nasal spray and an inactivated H1N1 vaccine (shot) are currently being distributed throughout many states, including Maryland. Over the course of the coming weeks health departments, hospitals, health clinics, registered vaccination sites and provider offices are receiving supplies, as they become available. It is projected that anyone who wishes to be vaccinated will be able to receive vaccine, however, priority groups have been identified and are expected to be vaccinated first.

The Centers for Disease Control has released recommendations for different priority groups and subpopulations for who should receive the live, attenuated intranasal spray (2009 H1N1 LAIV) and who should receive the inactivated (dead) vaccine (2009 H1N1 inactivated vaccine) which is a shot.

In addition, the seasonal influenza vaccine is different from the two forms of H1N1 vaccine described above. Individuals wishing to be protected against the seasonal flu should receive a seasonal flu vaccine. The CDC recommends vaccinations for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza.

The following recommendations apply to the two forms of vaccine available for protection against H1N1 influenza:

Recommendations for receiving the live, attenuated H1N1 Intranasal Spray (2009 H1N1 LAIV)
The live, intranasal vaccine is recommended for people ages 2- 49 who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions. Groups recommended to get the intranasal H1N1 spray first are:

• healthy people age 2 – 24
• people age 25 – 49 who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age
• people age 25 – 49 who are health care or emergency medical personnel

As more vaccine becomes available, other healthy 25 – 49 year olds should also be vaccinated.

Contraindications for receiving the live, attenuated H1N1 Intranasal Spray (2009 H1N1 LAIV)
You should NOT get the live, attenuated H1N1 intranasal spray if you have a severe allergy to eggs or any other substance in the vaccine. The live nasal spray should NOT be given to the following groups:

• children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older
• pregnant women
• anyone with a weakened immune system
• anyone with a long-term health problem such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders, asthma
• children younger than 5 with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing in the last year
• anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems (such as cerebral palsy)
• anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system requiring care in a protected environment (such as a bone marrow transplant unit)
• children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment

If you have been moderately or severely ill, you may wish to wait until you recover before getting vaccinated. If you have a mild cold or other illness, there is usually no need to wait.

2009 H1N1 intranasal spray may be given at the same time as most other vaccines. Tell your doctor if you got any other vaccines within the past month or plan to get any within the next month. H1N1 intranasal spray and seasonal flu intranasal spray should not be given together.

Recommendations for receiving the inactivated (dead) 2009 H1N1 vaccine (shot
Groups recommended to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine (shot) first are:

• pregnant women
• people who live with or care for infants less than 6 months of age
• health care workers and emergency personnel
• anyone from 6 months of age through 24 years of age
• anyone from 25 to 64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems

As more vaccine becomes available, these groups should also be vaccinated:

• healthy individuals age 25 to 64
• adults age 65 and older

Contraindications for receiving the inactivated (dead) 2009 H1N1 vaccine (shot)
If you have a severe allergy to eggs or any other substance in the vaccine

Inactivated 2009 H1N1 vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines, including seasonal influenza vaccine.

Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

Information taken from: 2009 H1N1 LAIV Vaccine Information Sheet and 2009 H1N1 Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Vaccine Information Sheet. Centers for Disease Control, October 2009.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday October 9, 2009

Salisbury University Student Health Services (SHS) is registered as a sentinel vaccination and reporting site for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. As such, SHS requested H1N1 vaccine on Wednesday, September 30, the first day ordering was permitted. Vaccination sites initially are expected to receive partial orders of H1N1 vaccine, nasal spray and subsequent supplies as they become available.

SNS may receive the first doses of nasal spray within the next week. Most initial supplies of H1N1 vaccine will follow at the end of October. Please check this Web site and the Campus Health Alert Hotline at 410-543-7995 for information regarding availability of the vaccine at SU. H1N1 vaccination clinics will be scheduled as supplies are received.

Welcome Sea Gull Century Riders and Families

Participants and/or community members who experience flu-like symptoms or other medical needs while on campus for the Sea Gull Century may seek care at:

• Emergency Department
  Peninsula Regional Medical Center
  100 East Carroll St
  Salisbury, MD 21801
   
• Your Doc’s In Urgent Care
  2425 N. Salisbury Blvd.
  (north of the mall on Route 13)
  443-944-0187
   
• Symptoms of the flu include:
  Fever of 100 degrees or more
  Cough and/or sore throat
  Body aches and/or headache
  Fatigue
  Chills
  Nausea/vomiting Rest, proper nutrition, limiting alcohol
   
• Preventive Measures:
  Frequent hand washing
  Hand sanitizing in the absence of water
  Staying away from sick persons
  Self-isolating if ill
  Coughing or sneezing into the elbow area
  Rest, proper nutrition, limiting alcohol

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday October 2, 2009

As H1N1 vaccine and nasal spray become available to the state of Maryland, Student Health Services, which is a registered sentinel vaccination site, anticipates receiving quantities of both. (SU's order for vaccine was placed through the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Sentinel Vaccination Program.)

Please monitor this Web site and the Campus Health Alert Hotline, 410-543-7995, where information will be posted as soon as the vaccine is received.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Thursday September 24, 2009

Salisbury University's Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to monitor the progress of H1N1 and seasonal flu and to take appropriate precautions and actions. Working with Maryland's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, SU’s Student Health Services has received confirmation of H1N1 influenza cases on campus. The illness seems relatively mild and short in duration. Student Health Services is continuing to advise students with influenza-like illnesses to go home to recover. Students are urged to remain in isolation and out of classes until they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Salisbury University's Student Health Services and Department of Nursing held a seasonal flu vaccination clinic on September 23 and plan to schedule another clinic as more seasonal flu vaccine becomes available. The World Health Organization is recommending both seasonal and H1N1 vaccinations as supplies are released. Please check this Web site and watch for campus e-mails regarding seasonal and H1N1 vaccination opportunities as they are scheduled.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Thursday September 17, 2009

Salisbury University has received confirmation of two student cases of H1N1 influenza. As has been typical of H1N1 across the country, symptoms in both cases were relatively mild and were resolved within three to four days. The students are doing well and have resumed normal activities. SU is closely monitoring the development of the H1N1 vaccine and clinics will be scheduled as the vaccine becomes available.

Student Health Services is continuing to culture students who meet the Centers for Disease Control's criteria for influenza-like illness. Updates regarding H1N1 at SU will be provided on a regular basis on this Web site. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to follow safety precautions and use preventive measures found here. The University has created a Campus Health Alert Hotline where callers also may access information regarding H1N1 and seasonal flu. The number for the hotline is 410-543-7995.

Additionally, Student Health Services and the Department of Nursing will offer seasonal flu vaccination clinics on Wednesday, September 23, and Friday, September 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Link of Nations of the Commons. Limited doses are available and will be offered on a first come, first served basis to members of the campus community. The cost is $15. These clinics are walk-up and no appointments are necessary. For more information visit the Student Health Services Web site at www.salisbury.edu/health.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday September 11, 2009

Since the start of classes on August 31, Salisbury University has had no confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu. Student Health Services (SHS) has had seven cases with reported flu symptoms and using Centers for Disease Control guidelines, has treated them as suspected cases of H1N1. SHS is monitoring any suspected flu cases on a weekly basis. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to follow safety precautions and use preventive measures found on the Emergency Preparedness Web site.

SU students attending classes at satellite centers also should check their campus Web sites for the latest information.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Tuesday September 1, 2009

As the fall semester commences, Salisbury University and other colleges and universities are beginning to see cases of seasonal flu.  Given the prevalence of H1N1 flu in the U.S. and Maryland, the campus community needs to continue prevention measures to reduce the spread of flu illnesses.

Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is the most effective method of prevention.  Seasonal flu shots will be given mid- to late September on campus, when shipments arrive.  The cost will be $15, payable by cash, check or Gull Card.  A campuswide e-mail will announce dates, times and locations for the walk-in clinics.  Information will be posted on this Web site, on the Student Health Services Web site (http://www.salisbury.edu/health), in The Flyer and in SU News.  Please stay tuned.

H1N1 vaccine clinics will be scheduled later in the fall if/when supplies become available.  Different from the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine may consist of two doses, two weeks apart.  Information regarding the nature and availability of this vaccine will be posted as it becomes available.

Flu Prevention Measures

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.  Dispose of the tissue immediately.  Wash hands or use hand sanitizer.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after shaking hands or coming in contact with possibly contaminated surfaces (doorknobs, countertops, remote controls, keyboards, telephones, refrigerator handles, etc.).  The H1N1 virus does not live long on surfaces and is primarily spread through human contact, so frequent hand washing and sanitizing of high contact areas are effective prevention measures.  Avoid eating, drinking or smoking after others.
• Monitor your health by checking for fever, especially if you have chills, feel very warm, or flushed, or are sweating.

Preparing for the Flu

• Students and parents should develop a plan for returning home in case of illness.  Keep in mind that a person with the flu is often too ill to drive.
• Keep a few days’ supply of water, electrolyte replacement drinks and non-perishable foods in case of self-isolation.  Likewise, self-care kits containing a thermometer, fever and pain reducing medication such as acetaminophen, and protective respirator masks are recommended.

If You Develop Flu-like Symptoms 

The treatment for seasonal and H1N1 flu is the same.  Those with flu-like illness are advised, based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations, to stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people (self-isolation) for at least 24 hours after no longer having a fever (without fever-reducing medications like ibuprofen or Tylenol).

Inform your professors and/or supervisors of illness as soon as possible.  Unless medical care becomes necessary, stay home and limit contact with others.  Students living on campus should return home via private transportation and remain out of classes for the duration of their illness.

Current information indicates that those suffering from H1N1 and seasonal flu will recover without needing medical care.

Student Health Services will be providing care to a high volume of students.  Students are asked to avoid going to Student Health Services to seek medical excuses for flu so that providers can focus on assisting severely ill students and to better contain the spread of the virus.  We ask that faculty understand the need for isolation of individuals with seasonal or H1N1 flu.

Staying Informed

SU’s Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to monitor the seasonal and H1N1 flu. Please stay updated through this Web site and the links provided to the CDC and other agencies.

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H1N1 Flu Update - Thursday August 20, 2009

Salisbury University’s Emergency Preparedness Committee has monitored the H1N1 pandemic throughout the summer months.  On June 11, the World Health Organization elevated the flu pandemic alert level to Level 6. This indicates that the world is at the very beginning of a pandemic event.  Many countries affected most severely are underdeveloped.  At the time of the announcement some 30,000 cases had been documented in 74 countries. 

As the school year begins, SU’s Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to monitor the global, national, state and local situation. SU is actively engaged and in regular communication with Maryland’s State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Wicomico County Health Department.  The committee will receive information and directives from these agencies regarding the prevention and management of the H1N1 flu.

Though severe cases and deaths have been reported, the H1N1 virus is less virulent in most cases.  The CDC has advised healthcare professionals to treat H1N1 in the same way as seasonal flu. For current information regarding H1N1, please visit cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

The H1N1 virus spreads in the same way as seasonal flu–primarily from person-to-person contact and through coughing or sneezing by persons with influenza. People may occasionally become infected by touching surfaces with flu viruses and then by touching their eyes, nose or mouth. 

The CDC recommends good hygiene to minimize the risk of contracting the virus.  Recommendations include:

• Washing hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
• Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Using tissues when wiping or blowing the nose; throwing the tissues away after use.
• Staying away from sick persons.
• Staying home if one becomes ill to protect others from contracting the illness.
• Using disinfectants to wipe down home or work environments.
• Staying informed by accessing this Web site and the contacts provided.

Seasonal flu vaccine will be available in the fall.  While the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1, it will provide immunity against other types of influenza. The U.S. is developing a separate H1N1 vaccine, and it is estimated 45 million doses will be ready by mid-October. The H1N1 vaccine may consist of multiple, separately spaced injections. Priority populations to receive the first vaccinations are pregnant women, young children and health care workers, then younger adults with conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems) that place them at higher risk.

Student Health Services is a designated sentinel reporting and surveillance site for the State of Maryland.  If you develop flu-like symptoms, contact Student Health Services or your private physician.  Symptoms include:  a fever of over 100 degrees F AND cough, sore throat or runny nose or stuffiness.

The Emergency Preparedness Committee recommends that you and your family have a transportation plan in place in case you contract H1N1 and should need to return home to recover.

For more information, please visit the Student Health Services Web site at or call 410-543-6262. Student Health Services is located in Holloway Hall Room 180.

Other state, national and international Web sites include:

• swineflu.maryland.gov
• www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
• www.pandemicflu.gov
• www.who.int/en

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H1N1 Flu Update - Friday June 12, 2009

The World Health Organization has declared an H1N1 flu pandemic, raising the alert level from phase 5 to 6. Salisbury University’s Emergency Preparedness Committee suggests that students, parents and campus visitors monitor the H1N1 flu situation during the summer months. Swine flu cases have now been reported in all 50 states and many foreign destinations. Surveillance reports, along with domestic and foreign travel advisories, are routinely posted on the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization Web sites.

For SU students who develop flu symptoms, Student Health Services is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, in Holloway Hall.

For visitors to campus, or after hours for SU students, there are three urgent care centers, in addition to the Emergency Department at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, which provides a Fast Track Care Center. Contact information:

• Peninsula Regional Emergency Department, 100 East Carroll Street (corner of Rt. 13 and East Carroll), open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
   
• Peninsula Main Street Medical Center, 1655 Woodbrooke Drive, Suite 104 (off Route 50 East toward Ocean City), 410-548-2700, Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - noon.
   
• Your Doc’s In, 2425 N. Salisbury Boulevard (north of the Centre at Salisbury), 1-877-222-4934, Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   
• Salisbury Immediate Care, Rt. 13 South Salisbury Boulevard (across from Wawa), 410-543-2020, Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Please check this web site and its useful links to stay current on the latest accurate information.

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Swine Flu Update - Wednesday May 6, 2009

Salisbury University’s Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to meet regularly and to monitor the H1N1 virus outbreak, popularly known as swine flu. Maryland is now listed among those states with confirmed cases. U.S. health officials, however, are no longer recommending that K-12 schools close for two weeks when cases are suspected or confirmed. Earlier this week, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the virus seems to be milder than initially feared.

H1N1 flu is continuing to spread, however, and it is prudent for any students who have flu-like symptoms to go to Student Health Services, located in Holloway Hall. If flu symptoms develop after hours or over the weekend, there are three urgent care centers, in addition to the Emergency Department at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, which provides a Fast Track Care Center. Contact information:

• Peninsula Regional Emergency Department, 100 East Carroll Street (corner of Rt. 13 and East Carroll), open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
   
• Peninsula Main Street Medical Center, 1655 Woodbrooke Drive, Suite 104 (off Route 50 East toward Ocean City), 410-548-2700, Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - noon.
   
• Your Doc’s In, 2425 N. Salisbury Boulevard (north of the Centre at Salisbury), 1-877-222-4934, Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   
• Salisbury Immediate Care, Rt. 13 South Salisbury Boulevard (across from Wawa), 410-543-2020, Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Medical transports for urgent situations after hours and on weekends are available by contacting University Police, who are trained first responders, at 410-543-6222. Students living on campus may also contact residence life staff for assistance.

Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu and include: fever of more than 100 degrees, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, head and body aches, and fatigue. Some victims of swine flu also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms are usually rapid on-set. The infectious period is one day before the beginning of illness to seven days after the onset. As with seasonal flu, those with underlying chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, or younger and older age groups may be more seriously affected.

If traveling between now and the end of the school year, or making summer travel plans, please consult travel advisories by the Centers for Disease Control.

Please check this web site and its useful links to stay current on the latest accurate information.

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Swine Flu Update - Thursday April 30, 2009
Communication from Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, Vice President of Student Affairs

Salisbury University’s Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to monitor the H1N1 virus outbreak, popularly known as swine flu.  Maryland is now listed among those states for suspected cases.

With this in mind, if any students have flu-like symptoms, they should go to the Student Health Services Office located in Holloway Hall.  If flu symptoms develop after hours or over the weekend, there are three urgent care centers, in addition to the Emergency Department at Peninsula Regional Medical Center, which provides a Fast Track Care Center, as well.  Contact information: 

• Peninsula Regional Emergency Department, 100 East Carroll Street (corner of Rt. 13 and East Carroll), open 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
   
• Peninsula Main Street Medical Center, 1655 Woodbrooke Drive, Suite 104 (off Route 50 East toward Ocean City), 410-548-2700, Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. - noon.
   
• Your Doc’s In, 2425 N. Salisbury Boulevard (north of the Centre at Salisbury), 1-877-222-4934, Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
   
•  Salisbury Immediate Care, Rt. 13 South Salisbury Boulevard (across from Wawa), 410-543-2020, Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Medical transports for urgent situations after hours and on weekends are available by contacting University Police, who are trained first responders, at 410-543-6222.  Students living on campus may also contact residence life staff for assistance.

Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to the seasonal flu and include:  fever of more than 100 degrees, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, head and body aches, and fatigue.  Some victims of swine flu also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.  Symptoms are usually rapid on-set.  The infectious period is one day before the beginning  of illness to seven days after the onset. As with seasonal flu, those with underlying chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, or younger and older age groups may be more seriously affected.

If traveling between now and the end of the school year, or making summer travel plans, please consult travel advisories by the Centers for Disease Control.

Please check this web site and its useful links to stay current on the latest accurate information.

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Swine Flu Update - Wednesday April 29, 2009
Information provided by Student Health Services

Salisbury University’s Emergency Preparedness Committee continues to monitor the spread of the swine flu, including reports at the University of Delaware, where four students have been identified with cases of influenza that meet probable definitions of swine flu. Samples from the four UD students have been submitted to the Centers for Disease Control to determine if these are actual swine flu cases.

As part of the SU preparedness plan, Student Health Services is working with government health agencies and University System of Maryland healthcare officials and administrators to monitor and plan for potential future responses.

At this time, standard prevention measures to avoid contracting the flu are recommended.
Precautions include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. For those who are not ill, the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle including rest, good eating habits and exercise is recommended.

The Emergency Preparedness Committee will continue to provide periodic updates. Campus community members with questions or concerns may contact Student Health Services at www.salisbury.edu/health or by calling 410-543-6262.

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Swine Flu Update - Monday April 27, 2009
Communication from Dr. Ellen Neufeldt, Vice President of Student Affairs

As you may be aware, incidences of swine flu have been reported in the United States. President Obama issued a statement today, which describes this circumstance as a “cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert,” but it is not a “cause for alarm.”

Salisbury University officials are monitoring the situation. So far, no cases have been reported in Maryland or states bordering ours. They have been reported in New York City, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and California. At this time, it is not recommended to travel to those locations, nor to Mexico, where the recent outbreak originated and which has been the hardest hit. Other countries hit by swine flu, often from citizens returning from trips to Mexico, include Canada, New Zealand, Spain and Scotland.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer several practical safety precautions, which are listed below. You may wish to monitor the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Web site at www.dhmh.state.md.us for periodic updates on what is happening nationally and statewide. In addition I urge you to become familiar with the University’s Emergency Preparedness plan and its section on pandemics at www.salisbury.edu/police/emergency. The University will have more information about swine flu including FAQs on this web site.

Among those questions which frequently arise: Swine flu is not caught from eating pork.

Precautions include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing.
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

The maintenance of a healthy lifestyle including rest, good eating habits and exercise are recommended. We will continue to provide periodic updates about the situation.

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