University of Nebraska Medical Center leaders provided an update about H1N1 preparedness and planning on the four University of Nebraska campuses, at today’s University of Nebraska Board of Regents meeting.
Steven Hinrichs, M.D., and Deb Thomas, talked about the current and potential impact of H1N1 in Nebraska. The also discussed the new attendance policy for University of Nebraska employees and students, whether officials would consider closing campuses, hygiene and vaccine education, alternative education efforts, H1N1 surveillance and treatment, and campus communication efforts.
“From the beginning, the university’s goals have been to ensure the safety of our students and employees and relay the importance of being prepared on campus and at home,” said Thomas, assistant vice chancellor for business and finance, who also leads planning efforts at UNMC. “We’re fortunate to have already been planning for years for a pandemic flu and other natural and man-made disasters.”
Each campus has a committee comprised of representatives from major areas such as academic affairs, facilities, security, and information technology services.
“We’ve formed relationships across the university system, with local health departments and others, which allow us to make decisions faster,” Thomas said. “We want to minimize the spread and impact of H1N1. We have a plan in place and will remain vigilant as the situation evolves.”
One of the issues Dr. Hinrichs talked about during the meeting was whether or when campuses might close. He said the decision would most likely be made in consultation with public health officials who at the present time do not feel it’s warranted.
He also discussed whether parents should have their college students go home for care if they become ill, rather than staying in the dormitory. He said some universities have established dormitories for those who have H1N1.
“This will be one of the most important considerations if a student gets H1N1,” said Dr. Hinrichs, chairman, Pathology and Microbiology Department, and an expert in infectious diseases.
He talked about the new attendance policy developed by the university in light of H1N1. The policy was developed based on guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Last week, campuses distributed the policy to employees and students.
“If employees or students have a fever of over 100.4 and one or more symptoms of flu, they are being asked to stay home until 24 hours after the fever is gone,” Dr. Hinrichs said. “What’s important is to prevent the flu and minimize exposure to those who are sick.”
Thomas said preparedness for students includes promoting personal hygiene, vaccinations. The university will monitor campus residences for sick students, provide education of these students, and coordinate treatment on and off campus.
In addition, she discussed UNMC’s unique student volunteer efforts. Each class of medical, nursing, pharmacy and allied health students has been evaluated for their clinical competency to volunteer for clinical duty through UNMC’s hospital partner, The Nebraska Medical Center, if high workload and absenteeism creates staff shortages.
UNMC, in conjunction with the hospital and its physician practice plan, UNMC Physicians, developed plans to stage clinical H1N1 triage areas on campus, if needed. This includes the implementation of a smooth traffic flow plan.
Dr. Hinrichs said various factors predict how many in the U.S. will contract H1N1. “Right now, most people have no immunity against the H1N1,” he said. “Though the number of deaths have been low, H1N1 is a new strain that’s easily spread and could infect 20 percent of the population.”
He said the impact of the flu can be minimized through three strategies:
- Good hygiene – including proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, hand washing, and avoiding or protecting oneself from those who are sick;
- Disinfect high touch areas such as computer keyboards, telephone, and door knobs;
- Getting vaccinated against seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu when it is available.
Proper hand washing and sneezing etiquette posters from the CDC have been placed around campuses. The use of hand sanitizer also is recommended to prevent infection. Dr. Hinrichs recommended placing bottles in key locations in the home and in public areas.
For more information and resources on H1N1, go to http://www.unmc.edu/flu/index.htm