Department of Communications and Marketing

Letter from President Dooley

To the URI Community, about H1N1

August 31, 2009

To the URI Community:

As the fall term approaches, our nation and campus community are closely monitoring the status of the H1N1 (swine) flu virus. We recognize that you may have concerns, and want to share the approach that the University is taking to prepare for the likelihood of this flu affecting our community.

For many years, URI has had emergency plans in place to address wide-ranging campus issues and health concerns. We have extended these preparedness efforts to respond to the H1N1 pandemic. We have established an H1N1 Coordinating Committee, which is monitoring advisories from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and receiving regular input from the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Novel H1N1 pandemic flu is widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flu. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults because those who are younger than 50 have not yet had contact with a similar type of this virus.

Cases of novel H1N1 have already appeared on many college campuses. We expect to see more cases this fall, consistent with what is happening in public communities. We strongly encourage all members of the URI community to take the standard precautions adopted during the flu season—and to play an active role in our public health prevention efforts.

Classes and Activities

Classes and other activities at URI will open as scheduled this semester. The H1N1 Coordinating Committee will monitor the campus situation, working with the state health department, and make recommendations regarding changes in campus activities on the basis of any flu outbreak. Any changes will be communicated broadly to faculty, students and staff through email and other communications.

Public Health Precautions

It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:

• Avoid contact with ill persons
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze using a tissue or by coughing, sneezing into your elbow
• Throw used tissues in the trash
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently — particularly after you sneeze — or use an alcohol-based hand gel
• Do not touch your face, eyes, nose, and mouth with your unwashed hands.

As this is not a gastrointestinal viral infection similar to the norovirus, intensive cleaning for food facilities (beyond normal cleaning) is not needed.

Treatment and Response

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent students from returning to class.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician, or students may contact URI Health Services.

Medication and Vaccinations

Generally, Tamiflu and/or other antiviral medications are prescribed for individuals with flu who are either hospitalized, have a chronic medical condition (as listed above, under Treatment and Response), or have a suppressed immune system. Tamiflu for influenza is not a cure—and only reduces symptoms and decreases length of recovery time by about 24 hours. We are monitoring CDC and state recommendations regarding use of Tamiflu and other antivirals.

The following vaccinations are expected to be available fall 2009:

• Seasonal flu vaccine: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all students get vaccinated for the seasonal flu. This vaccine will be available for students at no cost. As in past years, faculty and staff will be able to get vaccinated by the Wellness Company in coordination with Human Resources.
• Novel H1N1 vaccine: Recent recommendations from the CDC have placed individuals under age 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. More information will be available in the coming weeks regarding how and when this vaccine will be given.

Additional Information:

More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following web site:

• Centers for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
• Student and parents and faculty and staff who have questions should go to www.uri.edu.

Thank you for your efforts to keep all members of the URI family in good health. Although we can't eliminate the spread of this virus, our collective efforts can significantly minimize its reach and overall impact.

Sincerely,
David M. Dooley, Ph.D
President

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