Dear Parent,

As you know, there has been a great deal of public discussion about the H1N1 flu. We at Saint Joseph’s University have been a part of that discussion and have been preparing for this potential for many months. At this point we have identified a number of cases of the flu on campus and have been working with students, faculty and staff to both treat those who are ill and mitigate the spread of the flu.

Our staff has been working with the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PaDOH) and following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), both of which advocate common sense strategies that are effective in preventing and minimizing the spread of H1N1. These include: thorough hand-washing, use of hand sanitizer and coughing into your sleeve instead of your hand. In addition, these agencies recommend that people who have contracted the flu isolate themselves by going home and avoiding school and other group activities.

To comply with these governmental recommendations, Saint Joseph’s University will insist that students with symptoms of the flu follow the CDC guidelines regarding self-isolation and NOT attend classes or other group or public activities while they have symptoms. We ask students to go home during their illness if at all possible. Students may return to classes and activities when they have been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.) for 24 hours. Faculty have been asked to consider making accommodations for students to complete course work while they are recovering from the flu.

While the University insists on self-isolation, this does not provide a blanket excuse to miss class, but does offer flexibility for students who are ill. If your student contracts the flu and will miss classes as a result, we have asked that they contact the Student Health Center either in person or by phone if they feel too ill to get to the center. We also urge students to contact their faculty and stay in touch with faculty via e-mail or Blackboard if applicable and complete assignments as they are able.

For students who contract the flu but live at a distance too great to return home, we have established a Recovery Center to house students who need to be in isolation. Housekeeping and daily meals will be provided in the center and Health Center nurses will make rounds.

We anticipate having a supply of H1N1 vaccine in late October or early November. Students will be notified of when and how to be vaccinated. Priority will be given to students with complicating medical conditions as outlined by the CDC.

Updated information about the H1N1 flu can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/#a10 and at http://flu.gov/. For specific questions, students can contact the Student Health Center Monday from 8:30am to 6:30pm; Tuesday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm and Saturday from 11am to 2:30pm.

Sincerely,

Mary-Elaine Perry, Ed.D.
Assistant Vice President for Student Development