H1N1 Information -
Prevention Tips and Campus Updates
Information for Nichols College
Read: Nichols College Flu Statement
While H1N1 remains relatively mild flu, being rated at about a 2 on a 5 point pandemic scale, we will be focused on prevention for the Fall semester. Because of the nature of epidemic/pandemics, we do have to enforce good public health practices
Read more about our focus on prevention.
Do you think you may have the H1N1 flu?
Take the H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation on flu.gov.
Contact Health Services
Cheryl Duval, RN
Coordinator of Health Services
(508) 213-2238
Fax (508) 213-2134
healthservices@nichols.edu
Three Steps to Protect Against Flu
The CDC recommends you take three steps to avoid the flu:
- Get Vaccinated
- Take Preventative Actions
- Take Antiviral Drugs if Recommended
Wash Your Hands, Protect Yourself
- Use warm water and soap
- When you cannot wash, use a sanitizer
- Wash before handling food and after using the bathroom
Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu)
- Similar to seasonal flu - fever, cough, sore throat
- Can include: body aches, headache, chills, feeling very tired, diarrhea and vomiting
Hand sanitizer dispensers are available in convenient locations on campus.
We want to stress PREVENTION AND SELF CARE, so we truly appreciate your cooperation as we welcome a new school year in a healthy way! Information will be released as we are updated by the CDC and our local Board of Health.
General information
- Informational Resource About H1N1 (Swine) Flu - Commonwealth of Massachusetts Blog
- CDC Prevention Brochure
- Handwashing
- Flu Care - If You Get Sick
- H1N1 Fact Sheet
Nichols College Flu Statement to Students
Nichols is prepared to address the potential of an on-campus outbreak of the H1N1 Influenza virus in a number of ways. We are working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to monitor flu conditions and we will make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution as the situation demands. As the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends, the College will remain open and treat students exhibiting influenza-type symptoms either by isolating them or having them return to their families. If an outbreak becomes so severe that it warrants closing of the College, the faculty will conduct classes electronically until the College is able to reopen.
In order to help forestall an outbreak, our course of action is educating students to live a healthy lifestyle. All governmental agencies agree that the best way to battle the H1N1 is with prevention and self-care.
What To Do If You Get Sick
This web site is intended to give you tips and information but is not a replacement for medical care. If you think you have symptoms of H1N1 or seasonal flu it is important to call a health care provider as soon as possible.
If you are on campus, contact Health Services
Cheryl Duval, RN
Coordinator of Health Services
(508) 213-2238
Fax (508) 213-2134
healthservices@nichols.edu
If you are not on campus, contact your health care provider.
Nichols College Focus on Flu Prevention
- Hand washing and hand sanitizing is key to preventing the spread of the disease. Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the campus.
- When you sneeze or cough please use the crook of your elbow not your hands, and if you do use your hands wash them immediately.
- Don’t share cups, utensils, food, or drinks.
- Students are encouraged to phone Health Services to discuss the symptoms and to schedule an appointment to be seen if needed.
- There will be two vaccines for the flu this year, one for H1N1 (a series of two shots) and one for the seasonal flu. Our medical advisors are recommending both. We are not yet certain how many vaccines will be released to the College, so if you have an opportunity to get vaccinated at home, please do so.
- Members of our community who develop an ILI (influenza like illness) will be asked to remain home until 24 hours after they are free of fever or signs of fever without the use of fever reducing medication. This means we will be calling families and guardians to pick up their students to recuperate at home. This will not be elective, if the student is found by our medical staff or another provider to have influenza of any type. Students will not be penalized for absences in the case of an ILI.
- Students who for distance reasons cannot leave the campus other arrangements will be made.
- Roommate situations will be monitored and handled on a case by case basis.
- Students with chronic illness especially upper respiratory illness/conditions should contact Health Services.
- If you have questions regarding H1N1, please contact Health Services at (508) 213-2238. You may also visit www.mass.gov/flu.
Prepare For Flu Season -
Helpful Supplies
Here are some supplies you may need if you do get the flu
- Hand sanitizer and soap
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofin, asprin (if you are age 19 or older), cough and cold medicine, throat lozenges.
- Important: Check expiration dates on medications that you already own. Throw away any medication that has expired.
- Fluids: water, fruit juices, soups. Easy to digest foods
- Household disinfectant
Download "Flu: What You Can Do" for more information about supplies you should have in your home and how you can take care of yourself or family members if they become ill.
News from flu.gov
Pandemic flu news from the Department of Health and Human Services
- March 12 - WHO Updates International H1N1 Flu Situation
- March 12 - Weekly FluView Map and Surveillance Report for Week Ending March 6, 2010
- 2009 H1N1 Influenza and its Impact on People with Chronic Medical Conditions: Questions and Answers
- Flu Print Materials Available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hmong, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese
Counseling & Health Services
