Strategies for Combating Influenza/H1N1

The Culinary Institute of America is always mindful of the health of its students. The college is working with the Dutchess County and New York State Health Departments to monitor the current H1N1 outbreak and prepare for seasonal influenza.

While the college's Student Health Services office is committed to evaluating and making recommendations for ill students, we also remind families that, like many colleges, we do not have an infirmary to provide overnight care, nor are we able to isolate students in residence halls.

Recommendations to Students
We recommend the following to our students and their families:

  • Talk with a health provider to determine if the student is at higher risk for influenza complications because of a chronic health condition (asthma, diabetes, heart disease) or immune compromise. Such individuals have special precaution and treatment considerations, which might include antiviral medication if they develop the flu.
  • Ensure that students come to campus with:
    • Knowledge of the family emergency plan and emergency contact information.
    • Knowledge of flu symptoms, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and proper cleaning of shared surfaces.
    • Medical supplies (digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, antimicrobial wipes, tissue boxes and travel packs for bags and backpacks, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen).
    • A cell phone programmed with important phone numbers.
    • An insurance card.
  • Know the signs and symptoms of the flu and influenza-like illness:
    • Fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or chills and cough or sore throat.
    • Possible signs of fever: feeling warm, being flushed, sweating, shivering.
    • Flu may also cause runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  • Initiate a "flu buddy" system, in which students pair up in case one or the other becomes ill. The "buddy" can check in regularly (at least daily) and facilitate meals, supplies, and communication.
  • Encourage students who experience influenza-like illness—fever or chills with cough or sore throat—to not go to classes or activities, including public meals. They should contact Student Health Services for symptom assessment and advice. Public health authorities recommend that anyone with influenza-like illness self-isolate for a minimum of 24 hours after all symptoms have resolved, including fever, in the absence of fever-reducing medication.
  • Remind flu-affected students who are planning to return home for recovery to travel by private car or taxi to minimize exposure to others.

Vaccine Availability
College-age young adults are among the priority groups for the H1N1 vaccine administration. Notification of the H1N1 vaccine will be communicated when we receive further information. In the meantime, Student Health Services expects to offer the seasonal influenza vaccine in October, presuming timely vaccine availability. All current students will be notified via campus e-mail, posters, and student news media. There will be a modest fee for administration of the vaccine, which is charged to the student's CIA account.

Campus Updates
Notification of any changes in The Culinary Institute of America's strategy to prevent the spread of flu on campus will be posted to the college's Web site. Any change in the status of the college is communicated to students using all campus media: student Web portal, e-mail, campus newspaper, and www.ciachef.edu.

The Latest Info
For the most up-to-date flu information—including prevention, hygiene, cleaning, symptoms, and care—visit www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

   
 
 
 
 
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