Stay Informed!
Here's the latest news about pandemic H1N1/09 (swine flu):
- November 12, “I Survived the Swine Flu”: A First-Hand Account of H1N1, from two students at the University of Texas at Austin. Watch the video.
- On November 10, Health Department Expands Weekend H1N1 Vaccination Clinics To Cover People with Underlying Health Conditions. Read the NYC Department of Health press release.
- On November 13, Governor Paterson urges New Yorkers to take preventive measures to reduce spread of H1N1 Flu in New York State. Read the article from the Office of the Governor.
- Read the transcript of CDC Media Briefing Update on 2009 H1N1 Flu, November 12, 2009
- The NYC Dept. of Health and Mental Hygiene current findings include: Overall influenza activity is showing a steady increase in NYC, but is still far less than in May-June 2009. Hospitalizations and deaths due to H1N1 or influenza A are increasing slowly in NYC, but numbers are still low.
- The
CDC reports: during the week of November 1-7, influenza activity remained high in the United States. Flu activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness (ILI) declined slightly from last week, but are still very high. Flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to increase and are very high nation-wide compared to what is expected for this time of year.
- As of November 1, the World Health Organization has reported a total of over 503,536 confirmed cases of H1N1 2009 worldwide, including at least 6,260 deaths, in more than 206 countries.
Spread the Word!
Download, print, and distribute our posters - full of prevention tips and resources.
"10 things you can do to stop the spread of germs that cause swine flu (H1N1 flu)" 11 Part Series,
Fall 2009
Well Woman Protect Yourself Postcard Fall 2009
"10 things you can do to stop the spread of germs that cause swine flu (H1N1 flu)" Spring 2009
You can also contact the Communications Department at (212) 854-2037 for color copies.
Important Information About Seasonal
and H1N1 (Swine) Flu
Last Updated: November 17, 2009
To the Barnard Community:
The Primary Care Health Service staff and the leadership of the College
continue to closely monitor the developments regarding H1N1 (swine) flu
in New York City and around the world. Because the situation is so
rapidly changing, we encourage you to view the following websites,
which are the most reliable sources and are updated frequently:
Columbia University is also monitoring flu developments, read their updates.
As you probably know, this year’s flu season will be a challenging one, as it will encompass both seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine) flu. H1N1 flu is already widespread throughout the world, and will prove to be an exceptional challenge to residential college campuses like ours, where faculty, students and staff live and work in close proximity.
The College has undertaken a number of efforts to limit the potential spread of the illness, including wide distribution of prevention tips and educational materials, installation of instant hand sanitizer dispensers across campus, modification of food service methods in dining halls and at events, and regular meetings of our emergency management team over the summer that will continue into the fall.
Read about what the Office of the Provost is recommending to enable continuity in the classroom.
These efforts only go so far though. To decrease the likelihood of widespread flu on campus, we must rely on all members of our community.
Here is what you can do to help:
Stay home if you’re ill
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius), as determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen). If you live on campus, stay in your room for that period of time or make arrangements to recuperate at home or with a relative or family friend. Students should call the Primary Care Health Service at 854-1FLU (x41358) or your RA if you need assistance coping with your illness. Your Class Dean, and everyone here at the College, will work to ensure that you are not penalized in terms of course selection or missed coursework due to illness.
Practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette
Prevention is still the best way to lower your risk of exposure:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Cover your cough and sneezes with an elbow or tissue. Throw tissues away immediately.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who have a cold or the flu, including hugging, kissing, and sharing food or drink.
Get vaccinated
Consult with your primary care physician to determine whether you should receive the seasonal flu and/or H1N1 flu vaccines. The seasonal flu vaccine should be available from your physician now, and the H1N1 flu vaccine is expected to be available later in the fall. Vaccine for seasonal flu will be available to students through Barnard’s Primary Care Health Service. The CDC recommends that all students get vaccinated for seasonal flu. Look for forthcoming information about the H1N1 vaccine, which the CDC also expects to be available later this fall.
Stay informed and be prepared
Bookmark this site for regular updates. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu (fever with cough or sore throat). Keep alert for possible signs of fever (feeling very warm, having a flushed appearance, chills or sweats). For students, if possible, have a plan in place for your parents to pick you up or to recuperate at the home of a nearby relative or family friend in the event that you become ill with the flu. For faculty and staff, have a plan in place in the event you need to take care of a child or parent who becomes ill with the flu.
Keep the College informed
So that we can effectively monitor our community’s situation and maintain emergency preparedness, we ask that you immediately notify the College in the event that you or someone close to you becomes ill with the flu. Students should contact the Dean of Studies office at x42024 and the Primary Care Health Service at 854-1FLU (x41358). Faculty and staff should alert their department chair or supervisor. Department chairs and supervisors should notify the Provost’s office at x42708, or Human Resources at x42551, respectively. Students with a chronic underlying illness, such as asthma or diabetes, should report it to the Primary Care Health Service at 854-1FLU (x41358) as soon as possible.
Spread the word
Help us publicize these prevention tips and resources. Download our "10 things you can do to stop the spread of germs that cause swine flu (H1N1 flu)" posters or contact the Communications Department at (212) 854-2037 for color copies.
To learn more about caring for a sick person in your home, see the CDC guidelines
Thank you for your assistance in protecting yourself and the collective health of our campus community during the upcoming flu season.