H1N1 summit, campus readiness efforts emphasize flu prevention

 
 
H1N1 summit, campus readiness efforts emphasize flu prevention  
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October 6, 2009 Boyd R. Buser

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Pikeville College is taking steps to educate the campus community about the important role they have in limiting the spread of the H1N1 virus, also known as Swine Flu.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has categorized Kentucky’s flu threat as “widespread,” according to www.flu.gov, a one-stop access to flu information and prevention.

In a letter to students earlier in the semester, Boyd R. Buser, D.O., vice president and dean of the Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine (PCSOM), outlined the symptoms, emergency warning signs and prevention of the virus. The letter also provided information about the vaccine.

People 25 years old and younger are more susceptible to contracting the virus; however, everyone is at some risk. Buser also advised students with flu or flu-like symptoms not to travel or attend class for at least 24 hours after fever lifts.

In anticipation of higher than usual illness-related absenteeism, Buser encouraged faculty to consider alternatives to class assignments and to discuss attendance policies with students.

“Our goal is to conduct the college’s activities as normally as possible, with the health and well-being of students, staff and faculty as our top priority,” said Buser.

State and local officials, along with public health and school administrators, held an H1N1 Summit in Pikeville on Sept. 29. Among the summit panelists, Buser outlined the college’s efforts to address the H1N1 virus, focusing on prevention and communication and monitoring the Center for Disease Control’s “college pandemic checklist.” He said the college has a team in place to address campus-related issues should an outbreak occur.

PCSOM is collaborating with the Pike County Health Department and is also encouraging medical students to get involved with the local medical corps.

“We’re trying to think about all these things,” said Buser. “We’ve communicated with our faculty regarding how to handle higher-than-normal rates of student absences. We’re hoping for the best, but planning in case it doesn’t work out that way.”

For more information on the H1N1 virus, visit www.flu.gov.