University of Maryland News

Message for Staff About H1N1 Preparations

Dear University of Maryland Staff,

You recently received an e-mail from Dr. Sacared Bodison, Director of the University Health Center, that contained information about the University's preparations for an H1N1 ("swine") flu outbreak. Public health officials have suggested that widespread outbreaks of this flu virus may occur this fall, with college campuses to be among the hardest hit. Campus officials have been preparing vigilantly over the past several years for such a serious flu outbreak, and I want to take this opportunity to ask you to assist by being ready in the likely event that one occurs. The University has set up a webpage that includes information on the University's H1N1 preparations. Please bookmark this link: http://www.umd.edu/umnews/h1n1fall09.cfm.

With the first week of classes upon us, I want to take this opportunity to remind you of several important items related to flu preparations:

•Have a "flu kit" prepared at home before a flu outbreak occurs. Dr. Bodison recommends that your kit contain non-aspirin fever reducing medication such as Tylenol or Advil (or other brands), a non-mercury thermometer, decongestant, tissues, hand sanitizer, soup, crackers, decaffeinated tea and sports-type drinks such as Gatorade. Your kit should also include some surgical masks to prevent the spread of germs should you become sick with the flu.

•Get vaccinated for the seasonal flu virus and for the H1N1 flu virus when it becomes available. The seasonal flu vaccine is expected to be available in 10 days. As soon as we have it, the news will be announced on the University web site, the Health Center web site and through FYI. The Health Center will be announcing a series of clinics where the vaccine will be distributed. In addition the Health Center will be conducting a flu shot clinic on October 15th at Ritchie Coliseum. More information will be disseminated to the campus about the flu shot clinic at a later date.

•If you experience the flu or flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that you stay home in order to recuperate and to avoid the spread of illness on the campus. Staff have sick leave and other paid leave that they may use to the extent available, in accordance with applicable BOR policies. Staff are expected to follow the customary call-in and leave procedures of the unit in which they work.

•Should a temporary campus closure be necessary, information will be disseminated to the campus community via the University's web site and through local media. The University's Pandemic Plan provides the framework for "report-to-work" instructions for staff. Departments providing Essential services may have specific procedures for staff designated as Essential.

•The most effective tool in avoiding the spread of flu is to wash your hands frequently, and practice cough and sneeze etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze, or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or shoulder. It is recommended that you carry hand sanitizer with you, or keep it at your desk or workstation and use it frequently if soap and water are not immediately available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; germs spread easily that way. You will see that hand sanitizer dispensers are located throughout the buildings on campus.

As always, we are concerned for the health of our faculty, staff, and students. Should you desire the most up-to-date information on the H1N1 virus, please visit http://www.flu.gov.

Dale O. Anderson
Director of University Human Resources