Dear Residential Student:

As communicated in an email message sent on Thursday, August 20, 2009, the University has taken steps to address the H1N1 influenza (sometimes called swine flu) that continues to circulate worldwide. In response, please review the following information directly related to residential living at Wake Forest University.

Prevention:

To help minimize the risk for the flu, all members of the community are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, use hand sanitizer or anti-septic, and avoid large gatherings with close proximity to many people. Further recommendations can be found at the following websites: www.wfu.edu/shs or http://www.wfu.edu/shs/Influenza. Residence Life and Housing will provide hand sanitizer and masks, which will be available soon at each hall office, to assist students in mitigating the risk of exposure.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms:

In the event that you or a friend is experiencing flu like symptoms, the following recommendations are offered:

• Contact Student Health Services at 336.758.5218 to discuss your symptoms with a health care professional.
• Please do not attend class or participate in any extracurricular activities until your symptoms have ceased, as it will increase the likelihood for the spread of the flu.
• Wear a mask (available at Residence Life and Housing in Benson 101, your hall office, and Student Health Services) to reduce the spreading of the virus.
• If you live locally and have safe transport, consider returning home until symptoms subside. Please do not use public transportation.
• If you do not live locally or cannot return home safely, remain in your residence hall room.

If you must reamin in your residence hall room, the following provisions are in place to ensure you have access to meals:

• Each hall office will have "meal coupons" that a friend can redeem for you at the Fresh Food Company in exchange for a "Care Bag." One meal coupon will be exchanged for each Care Bag. Care Bags will contain water, soup, juice, and crackers.
• You will also have the option of exchanging a coupon for a traditional "take-out" meal from the Fresh Food Company.
• One coupon equals one meal swipe, so for each one received by Dining Services a meal will be deducted from your plan.

If you have questions, please visit the websites listed above or contact Residence Life and Housing at 336.758.5185 or Student Health Services at 336.758.5218.

Sincerely,

Donna P. McGalliard
Dean of Residence Life and Housing

As students return to Wake Forest for the fall semester, the University is taking steps to address the H1N1 influenza (flu) that continues to circulate worldwide. Health officials expect the number of H1N1 flu cases (sometimes called swine flu) to increase in the United States, including on university and college campuses, in the coming months since flu typically spreads more rapidly during the fall and winter.

More cases are expected because this particular virus spreads readily by direct contact with nasal mucus from an infected person or by inhaling droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. People can minimize the chances of contracting H1N1 flu by avoiding other individuals who have been diagnosed with this type of flu, by frequently washing their hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer, and by keeping their hands away from their faces. Generally, those who develop H1N1 flu experience an illness similar to a seasonal flu. Although some severe illnesses and deaths from H1N1 flu have been reported, most cases have been relatively mild.

Wake Forest has been preparing for the possibility of a pandemic influenza for the past three and a half years. The following measures are being implemented as a result of this planning:

• Extensive information concerning H1N1 flu is readily available to the campus community. This includes information located on the Student Health Service Web site at www.wfu.edu/shs. A separate site is dedicated entirely to this type of flu at www.wfu.edu/shs/Influenza.html. In addition, information is being disseminated to students by the peer (student) health educators and the staff of Residence Life and Housing. As needed, the University will distribute messages by e-mail to students, faculty and staff.
• The information includes preventative messages about minimizing the risk of contracting H1N1 flu. In addition, information is provided about the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu, self-care recommendations, and treatment options for individuals who contract this virus.
• Individuals who become ill as a result of H1N1 flu will be asked to isolate themselves in their residence halls, apartments, or homes until their symptoms have resolved. If students think they need to be evaluated at the Student Health Service, they are asked to call the Student Health Service to discuss possible treatment and care. The phone number is 758-5218.
• The Student Health Service staff will continue to monitor recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Forsyth County Health Department, and the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Wake Forest University/Baptist Medical Center concerning the management of individuals with flu-like symptoms. It is anticipated that adequate supplies of antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) will be available to treat students who have health conditions that place them at higher risk of complications from this illness.
• Wake Forest, in cooperation with the Forsyth County Health Department, will be a distribution site for H1N1 flu vaccine later in the fall. A vaccine clinic will be announced (probably in late October or early November) when this vaccine becomes available. Traditional age college students are considered a "high priority" group for receiving this vaccine. The vaccine clinic will be announced in a number of ways, including by e-mail and information on the Student Health Service Web site.

Wake Forest University
Communications and External Relations