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Temple University continues to monitor the international outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza. We are working closely with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health and other health officials to help reduce the risk of infection for the Temple community and to plan for any possible disruptions to our normal operations.
Temple University’s H1N1 Preparedness Plan emphasizes control of infection and education regarding prevention, what to do if you present symptoms of Influenza Like Illness, and the best course of action should you get the flu. Our plan follows guidelines set forth by the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC Guidance for Responses to Influenza for Institutions of Higher Education during the 2009-2010 Academic Year.
AS of November 4, 2009: 55 students have reported Influenza Like Illness to Student Health Services. To date, there has been one confirmed case of H1N1 in a student living off campus.
This site is intended to provide the Temple community with information about Temple’s pandemic planning and offers guidance to help students, faculty, staff, and others prepare for influenza during this academic year. Visit this page often for more information and updates.
General Prevention Measures for Seasonal Flu and H1N1
Information for Students
Information for Employees
Letter from President Hart to Parents
H1N1 Vaccination Availability
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Practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and before eating. 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. Throw your used tissues away immediately and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
We recommend that all students receive the vaccination for the seasonal flu. We will be providing more information about how to obtain the seasonal flu vaccine later in the fall. We are closely monitoring the progress on the availability of the H1N1 vaccine and will provide information as soon as it is available.
Consider bringing your own thermometer, hand sanitizer, cold medications, tissues, cleansing agents, and any additional items you may need in the event of illness
If you have Influenza-like symptoms:
If you experience Influenza-like symptoms, please go to Student Health Services and see the triage nurse. The CDC recommends those with Influenza-like illness should stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people (called “self-isolation”), except to seek medical care.
Students for whom self isolation is recommended will be asked to:
• If possible you should return home until you have recovered and have not had a fever or signs of a fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. If going home is not possible please limit contact with others as much as possible.
• Stay at your residence if you have flu or flu-like illness until you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class, work or any public gathering.
• Notify the Dean of Students Office by visiting www.temple.edu/provost/deanofstudents. The Dean of Students Office will collecting contact information for students with Influenza Like Illness in order to be proactive with their care and wellness.
• Notify your faculty to make arrangements for any missed classes etc.
Flu kits containing over the counter medications, thermometers and useful information regarding treatment of the flu will be available from Student Health Services. As the semester progresses we will continue to monitor the situation and will notify you by e-mail of any changes to Temple’s strategy for preventing the spread of flu on our campus.
CDC recommends that workers who appear to have an influenza-like illness upon arrival or become ill during the day be promptly separated from other workers and be advised to go home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.
If you have any questions please contact Employee Health Services on the 4th floor of 1810 Liacouras Walk, 215-204-2679.
As the semester progresses we will continue to monitor the situation and will notify you by e-mail of any changes to Temple’s strategy for preventing the spread of flu on our campus.
For updates and more information please go to: http://www.temple.edu/employeehealth
September 16, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Earlier this month, we sent an e-mail to Temple students giving them advice on steps they can take as we enter the flu season. As you know, in addition to seasonal flu, we are also monitoring H1N1 (“swine flu”). I want to assure you that we are working closely with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best actions to take now and in the coming weeks.
Both seasonal and H1N1 flu can be spread easily from person-to-person contact. Here are a few steps that we have advised our students, faculty and staff to take to reduce the chance of getting or spreading the flu this season:
Student Health Services is distributing flu kits to students with influenza-like illnesses. The kits contain over-the counter-medications, disposable thermometers and useful information regarding treatment of the flu.
We will be posting updates and more information at these websites:
Student Health Services also has a new Twitter site, which will be used to send out updates: http://twitter.com/templeshs.
As the semester progresses we will continue to monitor the situation and will notify students by email of any changes to Temple’s strategy for preventing the spread of flu on our campus.
Thank you for helping us work toward a healthy and productive semester.
H1N1 Vaccine Availability and Priority Groups
Over the next few weeks, the PDPH is expected to release a limited quantity of H1N1 vaccine to Temple University. While future shipments are anticipated, the initial allotment is expected to be quite limited. Initial distribution of H1N1 vaccine will target all pregnant students and students at the Health Sciences Center (HSC) who have significant patient contact. The Priority Groups for H1N1 vaccinations are:
In order for us to better serve you and identify individuals who may be high priority, we ask you complete the following questionnaire. Completion of the questionnaire is completely confidential and does not guarantee access to vaccinations; it assists us in identifying our highest priority individuals at Temple University. If you are in one of the priority categories, when the vaccine is available for you, an e-mail will be sent to you with details of when and where to receive the vaccine.
If you do not fall into one of the above priority groups, it is not necessary to fill out the questionnaire. We will provide future updates on vaccine availability.
As we acquire additional vaccinations, we will increase our distribution, based on priority. There are additional initiatives being conducted on the HSC and with The Temple University Health System to identify students and employees in these priority categories.
CLICK HERE FOR PRIORITY QUESTIONAIRE
Please go to the following websites for additional information.
http://www.temple.edu/studenthealth/Index.html
