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H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information For Faculty, Staff and Students
August 18, 2009
Regent University is committed to the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and want you to remain fully informed about current precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) to help prevent the occurrence of H1N1 (swine flu). We are staying in contact with these agencies and are closely monitoring the upcoming flu season and will respond as necessary.
Individuals play an important role in keeping themselves healthy and reducing the spread of any infections. Here are three steps to take:
1. Get vaccinated, if appropriate. Vaccines for seasonal flu will be available soon, and H1N1 vaccines are expected to be available later this fall. Please consult with your personal physician to determine if you should have either or both of these vaccines.
2. Follow good health protocols. Eat a well-balanced diet, get plenty of rest and practice proper hygiene. Regular hand-washing is critical to reducing the spread of germs. The University is installing hand sanitizer stations at key locations around campus, and the University Bookstore will be stocking hand sanitizer for sale.
3. Learn more about H1N1 and how to protect yourself at these resources.
· The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) www.rvdh.state.va.us
· Disease Prevention Brochure click here
· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
· The World Health Organization (WHO) www.who.int/en
· Regent University web site www.regent.edu
(this site will keep you updated on information specific to our campus)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How may I learn more about H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
-Current information is available on the following web sites:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
· The World Health Organization (WHO) www.who.int/en
· The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services www.flu.gov
· The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) www.rvdh.state.va.us
How may I view updates about university preparedness and response to a potential H1N1 outbreak on campus?
-Check the Regent University homepage: www.regent.edu
What is Regent doing to inform and assist the Regent community during flu season?
- The University is providing information in flyers, emails, web updates, and bulletin boards on preventative measures and instructions.
-Alcohol-based antiseptic hand wash will be available at various high-traffic areas on the campus and the university housekeeping staff has placed an increased emphasis on the cleaning of all common areas, computer labs, etc.
-The Housekeeping Staff has heightened its focus on the use of antibacterial cleaners in common areas, dining facilities, computer labs, and restrooms.
-For students residing in student housing, residential offices in each housing facility will provide surgical-style breathing masks to student residents upon request.
How will Regent respond to any incidences of H1N1 on campus?
-The university has an actively engaged emergency response committee that continuously monitors the key resources available about H1N1 and has established procedures in case of an outbreak.
-We will follow the guidelines issued by the CDC as well as those from the local and state health department authorities in an effort to minimize and contain H1N1.
-Students who may have contracted H1N1 or any ILI (influenza like illness) will be asked to refrain from all social contact, including class attendance, until at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided (without the use of any fever reducing medications).
-If a student's health or the health of a student living in student housing is compromised, the university's housing staff may reassign non-infected roommates to alternative housing assignments.
If a student misses class, will the university allow the student to make up missed class assignments?
-Students are responsible for immediately notifying their professors of their illness and making reasonable arrangements for completing missed assignments. Most courses have online components, and our faculty has been informed that they are to make every effort to work with infected students online so that they do not fall behind.
If a student withdraws because of illness, will tuition and other fees be reimbursed?
-Please refer to the undergraduate or graduate academic catalog for refund policies regarding withdrawals. The catalogs can be found at http://www.regent.edu/academics/catalog.cfm
Do you anticipate having to close the school because of the H1N1 threat?
-The CDC has indicated that they do not recommend at this time that schools be closed due to H1N1 outbreaks. If that changes, we will provide updated information on our web site.
PR/NEWS CONTACT: Judy Baker
Public Relations
Phone: 757.352.4307 Fax: 757.352.4888
E-mail: judibak@regent.edu
