September 1, 2009

Dear New Paltz Student:

As we begin the new academic year, I want to share with you important information about the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as “swine flu.” Illness with this new virus has ranged from mild to severe. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred. As a precautionary measure, New Paltz has taken several steps to deal with the progression of this virus. So, too, we will increase our efforts should we experience a dramatic increase or surge in the number of confirmed cases.

H1N1 Symptoms

While the H1N1 influenza seems to be primarily a mild disease thus far, students should contact Student Health Services at Extension 3400 (257-3400) if they develop any flu-like symptoms, such as a fever of 100 degrees F or more (37.8 C) and a cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea or if they are diagnosed with influenza by an off-campus health care provider.

Protocol

Students who are ill with these symptoms should isolate themselves until free of symptoms for at least 24 hours. If students living in residence halls cannot leave campus, isolation within rooms will be done as much as possible Students who become ill with H1N1 and live within a reasonable driving distance may be encouraged to return home in personal vehicles and not use public transportation. Your health is our primary concern. If unusually high absenteeism results from the spread of the virus, faculty will be consulted to find the best ways to meet course requirements while students recover. Residence Life has established a “buddy system” for meals and other assistance for those who are confined to their rooms during the course of their illness. The Student Health Center is ready to help any member of the campus community who has any questions or concerns. You can call the Student Health Center at 845-257-3400.

Prevention Measures

The H1N1 flu is most commonly spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air that others breathe. The virus can live on surfaces for up to two hours, so it is possible that the virus can be transmitted through hand contact with contaminated objects and subsequently contaminated hands touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Therefore, covering your cough and sneeze with the fold of your arm, and washing your hands frequently remain the best and simplest ways to decrease the spread of viruses, including H1N1. Infected students should wear a surgical mask when interacting with those providing assistance, meals, homework, etc.

Students who have a known pre-exiting medical condition, such as diabetes or asthma should and have been exposed to the virus, should immediately consult the Student Health Service or their personal physician.

Various steps are being taken across campus to reduce the risk of infection. Disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizers will soon be available in our computer centers. Hand sanitizers are available at each food service area and in each residence hall restroom. Disinfecting wipes will be available in the Athletic & Wellness Center and Elting Gym for patrons to use on their hands before and after using weight and fitness equipment. It is recommended that equipment be wiped after you are finished and again by the next user.

In addition, state and county health department officials and medical staff the Student Health Center are planning for a mass immunization program when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available later this fall. The vaccination program will require two individual immunizations separated by at least three weeks.

Further Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a regularly updated Web site at http://www.cdc.gov that provides detailed information about transmission and prevention. Information is also available online at: http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/Healt … e-flu.html and http://flu.gov.

Sincerely,

Peter B. T. Haughton, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center