Keeping up with H1N1
Barbara Bloomer,
Director of Health and Wellness Services 

Since spring 2009, daily information regarding the H1N1 influenza virus has generated discussions, concerns and confusion. Nearly every day for the past several months the news media has had a story on H1N1. Here at St. Norbert College (SNC) Health and Wellness Services (H&WS), we have been working diligently to stay on the clinical edge of this disease by engaging in discussions and webinars with the Wisconsin Division of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the De Pere Health Department. Through these connections we have been able to ensure that St. Norbert College has integrated the most up-to-date prevention and implementation strategies to address the H1N1 pandemic. But what does this mean?

In the first few days of this semester, H&WS implemented a phone triage system to assess students’ symptoms and determine the best course of action. Influenza kits were assembled and provided for anyone with Influenza-Like-Illness (ILI). In accordance with the recommendations of the CDC, SNC drafted protocols for individuals who have symptoms associated with H1N1 (www.snc.edu/health). Student Affairs and Resident Hall staff attended briefings on the influenza pandemic at the beginning of the semester and again in early October. Alcohol-based sanitizer gels were provided in each of the public areas of the residence halls. Posters were hung in halls and in academic buildings with the same message: “Wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home when you’re ill.” This has reverberated throughout the campus, and we are washing hands to the tune of “Happy Birthday” twice to assure the 20-30 seconds needed for thorough hand-washing. The use of face masks has also seen a “fashionable” increase. Students don masks when they come into H&WS and even wear them in their rooms when they have a cough. This is a major culture shift for SNC, and it is encouraging to see students respond to this method of mitigating the spread of illness.

Students who have ILI are been asked to recuperate at home until 24 hours after their fever is gone without use of fever-reducing medications. In our experience, this has been about four days. The potential for secondary infections after the initial ILI is a concern for those who appear to be improving and then have a “relapse.” Anyone who gets worse after the initial illness should seek medical care to ensure that a secondary infection, such as pneumonia or sinusitis, has not developed. It is recommended that anyone with a chronic lung or heart condition, diabetes or asplenia receive the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine. Students with any of the conditions mentioned, especially asthma, should check with their doctor to determine if they have received it.

Vaccines
Health and Wellness Services provided the seasonal influenza vaccine in late September, and at the time this article was written we were preparing for the H1N1 vaccine. We have registered with the State of Wisconsin and will order vaccine when cleared to do so. These vaccines will be given by priority status according to CDC guidelines. Students with underlying medical conditions will be first for the injectable vaccine. Students with no underlying medical conditions will be first for the flu mist (intranasal vaccine). Since the vaccine will come in whatever form is available at the time ordered, those immunized first will  depend on what type of vaccine is received (or the type of vaccine received will determine who is immunized first). The strategy is to conduct weekly vaccination clinics as soon as vaccine is received, continuing until all who wish to receive the vaccine have been vaccinated. Our goal is to have these completed by the time students return home for the holidays in mid-December. Students  who go home for the Thanksgiving holiday should check with their doctor or local public health agency to determine if the vaccine is available and receive it there. Students who have not received the seasonal flu vaccination may want to get it at the same time as the H1N1 vaccine, if available. Through the process of herd immunity (when a large number of the population is immunized and the spread of the organism is abated), we will be able to reduce the number of people ill with H1N1.

Health and Wellness Services continues to work closely with the De Pere Health Department to keep vigilant surveillance on cases of H1N1 in the area and to assist with implementing public health strategies to maintain a healthy campus and community. Each student is asked to do their part; not share personal care items; keep rooms clean and wipe down shared surfaces that may have been used by several individuals, such as door handles, keyboards, etc., with a surface sanitizer.

Tissues, a thermometer, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cough drops, hand sanitizer and surface cleaning agents would make a great care package for any student (hint, hint). Homemade chocolate chip cookies would be great, too!

All in all, students have made a great transition into the semester after the abrupt arrival of H1N1 last spring. They have been responsive and mature in following the protocols implemented by the college. It is truly rewarding to be working with such wonderful students, faculty and staff as we move forward with this pandemic. It is gratifying to know that the measures that have been put into place are flexible enough to be used in most any situation and that students will be prepared to assist in implementing those strategies.

Updates and any new information on the H1N1 pandemic will be on the web site at www.snc.edu/health.