H1N1 Flu
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To: Parents of Yale College Students
From: Dean Mary Miller
I write to give you information about Yale College's preparation for the upcoming academic year with regard to the ongoing H1N1 flu outbreak. We anticipate that there will be cases on campus this fall, and I wanted you to know how we are preparing to care for any students who may become ill. Fortunately, the virus so far has caused generally mild illness in most young adults who get it, with the exception of those who have other underlying health conditions such as diabetes and asthma.
As with regular colds and flu, any student who is mildly ill with H1N1 flu will be asked to remain in his or her room. As an extra precaution, we will have a daily checkup phone call from a senior staff person and regular visits from a nurse or care team. Meals will be delivered to the student's room. We will follow recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding use of antiviral medications.
As much as possible, we will try to keep ill students separated from those who are without symptoms. Roommates and suitemates who cannot be relocated will be reminded to take the important precautionary measures of thorough and frequent hand washing and sanitizing, not sharing computer keyboards, and not drinking from the same container as a sick person. Sick students whose families live near Yale may be encouraged to return home until they are able to resume academic work.
Any student who is seriously ill will be admitted to the infirmary at the Yale University Health Services (YUHS) or to the hospital. YUHS will also work with students with health conditions that may pose an additional risk to ensure that they receive appropriate preventive care and/or treatment.
I know that this new form of flu can cause concern and anxiety and I want to assure you that we will do all we can to care for all those on campus. You may wish to check our website http://www.yale.edu/secretary/emergency/swineflu.html for information and updates.
I look forward to greeting new and returning students over the next few weeks and extend my best wishes to all of you for a good new academic year for your sons and daughters.
