Health Updates Archive
Friday, November 20, 2009
Members of the Campus Community:
This week has seen a slow down of influenza activity on campus.
There have been no new reported cases of “influenza-like illness” to
the Health Center since Friday, November 13. We no longer have any
students on the isolation floor. There may continue to be people
remaining at home to recover and there is widespread illness in
Washington County, so we are prepared to respond if we see another wave
of illness.
There is still no word on when we will receive more H1N1 vaccine.
Please
continue to notify the Academic Affairs (255-1342) and Student Life
(255-1305) offices if you think you have the flu. We hope the next week
will bring about an opportunity for us to “clear the air” and come back
rested for the last push of the semester.
Happy Thanksgiving!
University of Maine at Machias
Health Center
-------------------------------
Friday, November 13, 2009
Members of the Campus Community:
The campus health center continues to have students reporting with
ILI (influenza-like illness), most of whom are presumed to have H1N1
(swine) flu. We have had 3 students test positive for H1N1 Influenza
and 2 test positive for Influenza A- not sub typed but presumed to be
H1N1. There are currently 3 students in isolation on campus and 7
recuperating at home. The state is no longer testing ill students for
H1N1, as it is now known to be circulating on campus and presumed to be
the cause of most of these illnesses. However, we also have a number of
students ill with colds, sinus infections, and bronchitis.
We
are notifying instructors when students will be out of classes for a
few days, however, the students are reminded that they are responsible
to obtain assignments by e-mail, phone, and regular mail, and makeup
all missed work after they recover.
Please keep in touch with your instructors.
We
have more H1N1 vaccine on order and hope to be getting it within the
next few weeks, according to our state vaccine coordinator. Area
schools are getting the vaccine this week.
The UMM community is
reminded that if you develop symptoms of influenza that you stay home
and report to the Student Life or Academic Affairs offices by phone or
e-mail.
- Student Life 255-1305 bwest@maine.edu
- Academic Affairs 255-1342 mondvill@maine.edu
University of Maine at Machias
Health Center
-------------------------------
Monday, November 9, 2009
Members of the Campus Community:
The H1N1 virus continues to spread throughout Maine, affecting all parts of the state. Here at UMM we have one confirmed case of H1N1 Influenza and one confirmed case of Influenza A, not sub typed but believed to be H1N1. To date we have had 14 cases of ILI (influenza like illness), suspected of being H1N1 flu, reported in the Residence Halls- both Dorward and Sennett. Nine students are being isolated in their rooms or on the isolation floor in Dorward Hall if they have healthy roommates, and 5 are recovering off campus. To date all are expected to make a full recovery and return to classes next week. We have had no additional cases reported to Student Life since Friday afternoon. There were, as is usual this time of the year, also several students showing signs of gastro-intestinal or upper respiratory illness that do not rise to the level of flu. They have been asked to rest in their rooms and monitor the temperatures for any sign of influenza.
As we strive to contain this pandemic from spreading further, we ask all students to report to the Resident Life staff if they develop the following signs of Influenza and to remain in their rooms:
- Acute onset of respiratory illness
- Fever of 100 degrees or greater
- Cough
- Sore throat, Joint pain, Muscular pain, Diarrhea, Nausea, or Abdominal pain
Students wishing to show support to those who are ill and on isolation should call or text, not visit, and can bring drinks or food to them as requested while remaining outside the room.
We hope to have more H1N1 vaccine available in a week or two. This illness was not caused by the vaccine, which is a killed virus, but just hit us before the vaccines could provide immunity- which takes two weeks from the time it is administered.
University of Maine at Machias
Health Center
-------------------------------
Friday, November 6, 2009
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
We have received word that
UMM has one confirmed case of the H1N1 influenza virus. The case
involves a residential student who is currently recovering off campus.
The number of students reporting influenza-like illness continues to
rise and all are being considered suspected cases of H1N1.
Students who are experiencing symptoms of influenza-like illness
(cough, body aches, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, and a fever),
should notify Health Services at 255-1275 and stay home until they have
been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing
medication. We do ask that if students are experiencing such symptoms,
and live in-state or within easy traveling distance, to contact their
primary care provider and recover at home. If traveling home is not
possible, they will be placed in an isolation room to recover and be
monitored. Dining Services will provide alternate food service for any
students in isolation.
Similarly, faculty and staff members are asked to remain at home
should they experience influenza-like illness. They should not return
to work until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of
fever-reducing medication.
Remember to practice good hygiene:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- 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 this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people (known as social distancing).
Your
cooperation can help mitigate how widely we experience the H1N1
influenza on our campus. As soon as additional doses of the H1N1
vaccine are available, we will organize another vaccine clinic for
immediate priority groups. At this time, it is not known when the next
shipment of the vaccine will arrive.
For further information and resources, please visit UMM’s Flu Information page at http://www.machias.edu/flu-information.html.
UMM’s
Emergency Response Team is meeting frequently to monitor the evolving
situation. As more information becomes available, we will keep you
informed.
University of Maine at Machias
Health Center
----------------------------------------
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:
UMM Health Services has
seen a small number of cases involving students with influenza-like
illness, or “ILI.” At this point in time, the cases are being
considered suspected H1N1, until test results from flu samples are
returned.
All suspected cases involve residential students who
are either being treated by a health care provider, recuperating at
home, or in isolation in the residence halls. We are continually
monitoring the students who are in isolation, and providing them with
necessary accommodations and alternative dining services.
As you
are aware, the University received approximately 100 doses of the H1N1
vaccine, which were administered first to residential students and then
to commuter students between the ages of 18 and 25. There are no more
doses available at this time, and we are waiting for another shipment.
When more vaccine does arrive, the campus community will be notified.
We strongly encourage you to practice good hygiene:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- 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 this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people (known as social distancing).
If you experience the symptoms of H1N1 (cough, body aches, sore throat, runny/stuff nose AND a fever of 100 degrees F or greater):
- Contact the UMM Health Center at 255-1275 or the Office of Student Life at 255-1305.
- Stay home until you have been symptom-free (including having normal body temperature without taking anti-fever medications) for 24 hours.
- Resident Hall students will be asked to isolate in their rooms; or on an isolation floor if their roommate is not ill as well.
For more information and resources visit UMM’s Flu Information page at http://www.machias.edu/flu-information.html.
UMM’s
Emergency Response Team is meeting frequently to monitor the evolving
situation. As more information becomes available, we will keep you
informed.
University of Maine at Machias
Health Center
----------------------------------------
Friday, October 9, 2009
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:
As you are aware, we are
experiencing a worldwide H1N1 Flu Pandemic. Most of the cases have been
mild and people have recovered on their own at home. However, it is
highly contagious and as we continue to take steps to prevent the
spread of flu at UMM, we need your help.
All of us should consider vaccination for seasonal flu. Also, if you are at higher risk for complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available this fall.
- Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
- All people from 6 months through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity.
- Caregivers of children under 6 months of age.
- Visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm for a complete list of priority groups.
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth- germs are spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A cough, body aches, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose AND a fever of 100 degrees F or greater. Students should contact the UMM Health Center if they feel like they may have these symptoms.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees F) without the use of fever reducing medications. Don’t go to class or work.
If your health care provider has advised you that you might have H1N1 influenza and has recommended you stay at home or in your room, please call the Student Life Office at 255-1305, so we can assist you in working out a plan and help identify any clusters of illness within the UMM Community.
Thank you for your vigilance in minimizing the burdens of this disease.
Stay Updated
Register for e2campus by clicking here
– this service provides notification from the University in the form of
a text message to your cell phone and your @maine.edu account. It is
used by campus administration to send faculty, staff and students
notification of cancellations due to severe weather or other emergency
situations. Login with your UMS-ID account information.
Check UMM’s website (follow the link on the front page) for updates.
- Questions about Residence Halls:
Betty Merritt-West (bwest@maine.edu 255-1305) - Questions about Classes:
Rose Mondville (mondvill@maine.edu 255-1342) - Questions about Health:
Suzanne Mace (smace@maine.edu 255-1275)
University of Maine at Machias
Health Center
----------------------------------------
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Dear Members of the UMM Community:
As the
fall semester approaches, I want to update you on our H1N1 influenza
(“Swine flu”) planning at UMM. UMM is continuing to update our
Emergency Response Contingency Plan and making arrangements to support
the state with the H1N1 vaccination clinics, in addition to seasonal
flu clinics, in the fall. As of this date there are still no known
cases of H1N1 within the UMM community.
Your Role
If you are experiencing conditions such as a fever, cough and/or sore
throat, please consult your health care provider. If the health care
provider has determined that you may have H1N1 influenza and advises
you to stay home, please stay at home. Contact the Student Life Office
at 255-1305 to let us know that you will not be returning to campus
until you are free of fever (without the use of fever-reducing
medication) for 24 hours or your symptoms have resolved whichever is
longer.
If you are already on campus and your health care provider has
advised you that you might have H1N1 influenza and has recommended you
stay at home or in your room, please call the Student Life Office at
255-1305, so we can assist you in working out a plan and help identify
any clusters of illness within the UMM Community.
The University is working very closely with the Maine Center for
Disease Control, so as this situation changes across the state, they
will advise the University on methods of either isolating people with
active cases of H1N1 on campus or work to get them home. Ask for
written guidance from your health care provider.
Stay Updated
Register for e2campus by clicking here – this service provides notification from the University in the form of a text message to your cell phone and your @maine.edu
account. It is used by campus administration to send faculty, staff
and students notification of cancellations due to severe weather or
other emergency situations. Login with your UMS-ID account information.
Check UMM’s website (follow the link on the front page) for updates.
- Questions about Residence Halls:
Betty Merritt-West (bwest@maine.edu 255-1305) - Questions about Classes:
Rose Mondville (mondvill@maine.edu 255-1342) - Questions about Health:
Suzanne Mace (smace@maine.edu 255-1275)
We will keep you updated with information about the status of H1N1 influenza at UMM as it becomes available to us. Prevention is the best strategy, so check out The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm.
Kimberly Page
Director of Student Life
