PLNU Undergraduate Student H1N1 Policy

H1N1 Policy Revision - August 24, 2009

H1N1 virus has reached worldwide pandemic status, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In response to this significant public health threat, PLNU will be implementing the following policy guidelines, consistent with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the County of San Diego Public Health Services, and the California Health Alert Network. All policy is subject to change, pending revised recommendations issued by these health organizations.



Prevention of H1N1

PLNU is taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of H1N1 from being spread to our campus.

• Standard precautions for preventing the spread of illness are widely disseminated and discussed.
• Mobile hand sanitizers have been placed in high traffic areas.
• Residence Halls are stocked with disposable thermometers and informational posters.
• The Wellness Center is available for on-site assessment and treatment.
• An effort will be made to isolate ill students from the general student population.
• Students are encouraged to identify a location off campus for convalescence in the event that they become ill.
• Students with chronic health conditions are encouraged to protect themselves from exposure to infection, including staying temporarily off campus, in the event that an outbreak occurs at the university.

 
Influenza-Like Illness (ILI)

There is currently no commercial test available to confirm the diagnosis of H1N1; local health department instrumentation can analyze only 40 tests per day. Therefore, diagnosis of ILI is based on the same symptom criteria used by emergency departments, ambulatory care clinics, and university health centers, as defined below:

• Temperature greater than 100.0 or greater AND cough or sore throat

The following symptoms may also be present

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

[Note: Current guidelines for prescription antiviral medications are based on CDC recommendations for ‘high risk’ individuals and will guide our response to individuals presenting with ILI.]


Response to ILI

A student who develops these symptoms will be educated in self-care and advised to take the following steps:

• Visit the Wellness Center or private health provider for assessment.
• Allow the Wellness Center to be the sole point of notification to faculty regarding student absence if ILI symptoms are present.
• Residential students: notify RA/RD for assistance with alternative housing, food, and other needs. Commuter students: remain at home.
• Do not attend class until your fever has remained normal (98.6) for 24 hours, without the assistance of medication (e.g. Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cold medicine). Take your temperature at least five times throughout a 24 hour period to verify normal temperature.
• Notify parents and make every effort to convalesce off campus.

Any student who experiences shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden dizziness, confusion, or severe vomiting should seek emergency care by calling x2525 (ON campus) or 911 (OFF campus).


It is recommended that students receive vaccination for seasonal influenza. Seasonal influenza vaccination will be available from the PLNU Wellness Center. Future availability of H1N1 vaccine is highly uncertain.