Institutional Response to Influenza Infection – 2009-2010. Reference:www.gov.h1n1flu/institutions/guidance Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates a much greater incidence of influenza virus infections during the 2009-2010 flu season compared to previous seasons. In addition, the emergence of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus is expected to have a significant impact on disease patterns in the US. Recommendations for immunizations of health care providers are provided at the CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals). This policy is intended to address the preparedness of the College to respond to a potential widespread incidence of infection in the student, faculty, and/or staff populations.
Prevention
Students, faculty, and staff are expected to follow CDC recommendations for prevention of influenza infections (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals), including taking advantage of flu immunizations and practicing preventive hygiene (frequent hand washing, hand sanitizers). Self Isolation
Students, faculty, and staff who display signs/symptoms suggestive of influenza infection (fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, body aches) should avoid attending classes and Clinical and Community Experiences (CCEs) or coming to work and limit physical interactions with other individuals as much as possible for at least 24 hours after the have been free of fever (1010 F) without the use of fever-reducing medicines. (These recommendations may change if the virulence of the 2009-2010 influenza infection is worse than anticipated at the time of this policy approval.) Communication Protocol Students and faculty who meet the above criteria and decide to avoid classes should notify via email the Year 1-2 Curriculum Coordinator, Angie Mowrer (mowrer@ohio.edu) as early as possible to determine what arrangements can be made to make up missed required academic activities. In addition, students should follow guidelines as specified in their syllabi for class absences (i.e., notifying Instructors of Record). 2. Announcements about alterations in class activities (e.g. alternate meeting times, places, formats, assignment deadlines) will be posted as necessary on BlackBoard. Students and faculty are encouraged to check this resource frequently for updates.3. Staff members who meet the above criteria and decide not to come to work should notify their respective supervisors according to Unit protocols.
Departmental/Unit Protocols
All college departments and units are expected to provide OU-COM Human resources with an individualized Response Plan that describes the department/unit back-up preparations for continuing to provide essential services in the event of significant personnel absence due to illness.
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