UofL Bulletin on Swine Flu

During the summer, the 2009 H1N1 virus continued to spread globally and some local schools are already reporting cases of flu-like illnesses. It is only a matter of time before we see a growth in cases of 2009 H1N1 and the seasonal flu at UofL.

The 2009 H1N1 virus is of particular concern for us because people in their teens and early 20s are among the target groups for this virus. To stay informed as we move into the flu season, be sure to make frequent visits to our flu website at http://louisville.edu/update/flu/

Vaccines for the seasonal flu are expected to be available at UofL by the end of September. UofL provides free seasonal flu vaccines to full time faculty and staff and all students (a nominal fee is charged for part-time faculty, staff, and retirees). The seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is still under development and federal officials say it should be available later this fall. More information about vaccines will be sent out in September.

Our university is working to minimize the spread of seasonal flu, 2009 H1N1 and other infectious diseases. Hand sanitizing gels are in place in all high traffic areas and campus dining locations. Additionally, sanitizing hand gels are being sent to computer labs. Also, Campus Health Services is distributing thousands of bottles of personal hand sanitizer, along with a seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 prevention guide, to students. We continue to work closely with national, state and local health officials to provide the campus community with the most up-to-date information and guidelines.

But we need your help. Even our best efforts will fall short without the active participation of the campus community. Here are a few things we ask of everyone:

- Take time to be informed. Information on both the seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 virus is dynamic and evolving. We will send out information periodically; it takes only a few minutes to read an email or a news item on our website. It is especially important for students to routinely check their UofL (Groupwise) email.

- Do your part to control the spread of viruses. Practice frequent hand washing, cough into your sleeve, keep your work area clean, and practice self-isolation if you become ill.

- Students living in campus housing with flu symptoms who are within reasonable driving distance should return to their homes or stay with a nearby relative or friend to recuperate. It is recommended that students returning to their homes have someone drive them.

Please take a few minutes to read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our flu website for basic information on what you can do to fight back against the seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1. We also recommend a visit to the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

To assist in recognizing specific needs among students, faculty and staff relevant to the 2009 H1N1 virus, please look for a survey that will be distributed within the next few days. Do your best to complete the survey as requested as it will help us respond to this unique challenge.

Richard Clover, MD, Dean, School of Public Health & Information Sciences
Larry Owsley, Vice President of Business Affairs

Co-Chairs, Emerging Disease Planning Work Group