September 8, 2009

Dear FRCC students:

With the first week of classes coming to a close, I want to update you on the evolving flu situation.

As you may have heard, there are confirmed cases of Type A Influenza – the strain that includes the H1N1 “swine flu” virus – at area colleges, including a number at CU. To date, we do not know of any confirmed cases at FRCC, but with so many FRCC students either co-enrolled at a four-year school or spending time with friends at those schools, I think we will see cases soon.

We are in contact with local health departments and are monitoring the situation closely to assess the spread of H1N1. You should also start to see a number of actions in the next few days, including the rollout of hand sanitizers and wipes, posters and flyers about prevention of influenza. We have also reviewed our cleaning schedules and will be sanitizing “high touch” areas around each campus. In addition, the college has developed a Web site, accessible from our home page, with information on H1N1 and the college’s response.

In the meantime, here is some important information and guidelines:

What is H1N1?

The flu (influenza) is an infection of the nose, throat, and lungs that is caused by influenza virus. The flu can spread from person to person. Most people with flu are sick for about a week, but then feel better. However, some people (especially young children, pregnant women, older people, and people with chronic health problems) can get very sick and some can die. H1N1 flu is a new and very different influenza virus that is spreading worldwide among people. This new virus was called “swine flu” at first because it has pieces of flu viruses found in pigs in the past. However, H1N1 virus has not been detected in pigs in the United States.

How do I know if I have the flu?

Symptoms of both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu include: fever (greater than 100°F / 38°C) cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also may have vomiting and diarrhea. For more information, see www.flu.gov.

How can I avoid the flu?

There is no sure way to avoid the flu, but you can reduce your risk substantially by doing the following: First, wash your hands frequently and completely. If you use soap, you should wash for 30 seconds. With an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, rub until the sanitizer is completely dry. Second, avoid touching your face. Third, consider avoiding close contact that might spread the disease, like shaking hands.

What should I do if I am sick?

Please do not come to campus if you are ill with flu-like symptoms. At home, please consider self-isolating to avoid affecting others. Self-isolating means staying more than three feet away from another person at all times. You should cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water or disinfect with hand sanitizer.

We recommend you consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more guidance on caring for yourself or others, including when to see a physician.

If you have a person you live with who has flu-like symptoms, you can go to school as usual. However, please monitor your health every day, and take precautions including washing your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If you become ill, notify your professors and stay home.

What should I do if someone in class is sick?

Remember that students may have the common cold or allergies that can cause sneezing or coughing, so you cannot assume that someone who seems sick has H1N1. If faculty observe students who appear very ill, they may ask them to leave, but we cannot monitor everyone with a cold. If you are concerned that someone is ill, please keep your distance as best you can.

When should I return to school?

Stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without using any fever reducing medication). Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

How do I make up class work?

All faculty have been asked to develop plans to help students with the flu make up work. Please check your syllabi now and ask questions of your teachers so that you are clear about what their individual plans are.

I will keep you posted as we know more. Please monitor your e-mail carefully for news and updates titled “flu update.”

Sincerely,

Andrew Dorsey

President, Front Range Community College