Pepperdine Students, Faculty, and Staff:
We are writing to provide you with updated information regarding the pandemic H1N1 flu (previously referred to as Swine Flu) and to remind you of the continued importance of taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of this virus as well as the other seasonal viruses easily spread in an academic or work setting.
As you may know, the pandemic H1N1 virus is widespread throughout the world and has already appeared on many college campuses nation wide. To date, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that more than one million Americans have been infected by the pandemic H1N1 virus, with most patients reporting mild flu-like symptoms and recovering on their own without medical treatment. However, in the United States, a reported 8,843 individuals have been hospitalized and 556 cases have been fatal. To put this figure into context, approximately 36,000 Americans die each year from seasonal flu viruses.
Pepperdine is closely monitoring the pandemic H1N1 virus and continues to follow the guidelines dictated by the CDC and local health officials to best protect those on our campuses and our community members traveling domestically and abroad. Members of the University’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC), the Office of Insurance and Risk, and the Student Health Center have collaborated with departments across the University to prepare for and mitigate risks of pandemic H1N1 virus exposure.
For many years, Pepperdine has had emergency plans in place to address wide-ranging campus issues and health concerns that could affect our community. The Office of Insurance & Risk has updated the University’s Pandemic Plan to address both a minimally virulent (like the current pandemic) as well as a highly virulent pandemic. Additionally, Insurance and Risk maintains a daily monitoring process to ensure the EOC is informed of the latest pandemic H1N1 flu statistics and related guidelines set forth by the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and local government health officials.
Classes and Campus Activities
At this time, all campuses remain open and operations are continuing as normal. The University’s EOC, in conjunction with the Student Health Center and Los Angeles Department of Public Health, will continue to collaborate and take all necessary precautions regarding changes in or cancellations of campus activities on the basis of any pandemic H1N1 flu outbreak. Any such decisions will be communicated broadly to the University community through e-mail and/or other communications modes.
Currently, the CDC and Los Angeles County Health Department do not recommend closing a school, campus, or canceling activities in the event of an outbreak. The decision to do so will be carefully evaluated after reviewing the unique circumstances of each event and using the following criteria:
- Severity of illness;
- Onset of illness at the school;
- Level of illness (number of students and/or faculty/staff that are sick);
- Unique issues specific to each school;
Illness Prevention
As dictated by the CDC, it is important for all faculty, staff, and students to practice the following personal precautions to reduce the spread of many types of illnesses:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid sharing food and drinks with others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that people with flu-like illness remain at home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to obtain medical care or other necessities.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Close contact is defined by the CDC as within six feet of another person.
- Stay healthy by exercising regularly, getting ample sleep, drinking plenty of water, and eating nutritious foods.
- Talk to your health care provider if you have a chronic health condition or are pregnant as you may be at greater risk for complications from the flu if you become ill.
- Consider obtaining a seasonal flu vaccination. Students call the Student Health Center at (310) 506-4316 for a free vaccine. Faculty and Staff contact the University’s Wellness Program at (310) 506-4397.
- Make a plan in case you would like to return home or stay with a relative if you become ill.
- Familiarize yourself with your personal medical plan and ensure you have any necessary documentation such as your medical insurance card.
Symptoms and Response
The symptoms of the pandemic H1N1 virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. A significant number of individuals who have been infected with the virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
If a student develops a fever greater than 100ºF or 37.8°C and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, he/she is urged to call the Student Health Center at (310) 506-4316 or the toll-free, 24-hour nursing advice line 1-800-413-0848 to determine if they require testing or treatment for their illness. Students at our International Programs sites should contact their program director.
If a staff or faculty member develops a fever greater than 100ºF or 37.8°C and is experiencing flu-like symptoms, he/she is urged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider for guidance.
Vaccinations
Pandemic H1N1 Flu – The CDC and the Department of Health and Human Services are planning a large scale pandemic H1N1 flu vaccination campaign this fall. Distribution of the vaccine will be managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Reports indicate that the H1N1 vaccine will be available as early as October. According to the CDC, based on supply, access to the vaccine may be restricted to those who are considered to be at a high risk.
Currently, the CDC considers those at “high risk” to be:
- People between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age;
- Health care and emergency services personnel;
- Pregnant women
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age;
- People from ages 25 through 64 years who are at higher risk for complications from pandemic H1N1 flu infection because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.
While government testing of the pandemic H1N1 vaccine continues, the University remains in close contact with local and federal health officials and will likely follow the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the CDC and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health with respect to endorsing the vaccine.
Seasonal Flu – The University’s Wellness Program, within the Center for Human Resources, will offer the seasonal flu vaccine at both the Malibu and West LA campuses. The seasonal flu shots are free for all benefited employees and will be available for several days beginning mid-September. Also, the Student Health Center will offer the seasonal flu vaccine at minimal cost to students in October. The Office of Insurance and Risk is working with the International Programs directors to ensure students in these programs have the opportunity to receive the seasonal flu vaccination.
Pepperdine fully recognizes the importance of planning and taking appropriate action to ensure the well-being for our community. As we monitor the H1N1 pandemic around the world, it is our goal to provide timely, open communication throughout the course of the pandemic.
Thank you for your continued efforts to keep our community safe.
Additional Information and Questions
Information on the pandemic H1N1 virus is available on the following Web sites:
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the University.
For students please call:
- The Student Health Center at (310) 506-4316
- The Dean of Students Office at (310) 506-4472.
For faculty and staff please call:
The Center for Human Resources at (310) 506-4397
Thank you,
Lauren W. Cosentino
Associate Vice President
Human Resources, Insurance & Risk
Pepperdine University