President DiGiorgio in his opening address to the
campus community on 8-19-09 said, “A threat we all need to build
awareness about as we move into Fall and Winter is the H1N1 Virus, often
referred to as ‘swine flu.’ Campus planning is already underway to help
us deal with any outbreaks that occur, and you will be hearing more
about that later in the semester. This is a far more complicated
planning issue than you might imagine, given our residential nature and
the range of activities that occur here, so bear that in mind as flu
season approaches.”
Presented below for your information is the message
we sent to all students. We think it is helpful for you to know as
well. A message from the SC Department of Health and Environmental
Control is also below the message to students.
Dear Students,
We know you have probably been reading about the
potential for H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak in the U.S. We are
continuing to monitor the situation and advise that you do too.
We recognize that you may have concerns and questions about what
Winthrop University is doing in preparation for a potential flu
outbreak and what you can do personally. Please know that we
are here to help you. The following is some information for
you.
Winthrop University is working closely with the
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC
DHEC). We will offer the Winthrop community regularly updated
advisories based on the latest information from the Center for
Disease Control (CDC) and SC DHEC on H1N1 flu prevention and
treatment recommendations.
As recommendations are being revised frequently,
members of the university community are advised to visit the
following websites for information on prevention, self care,
treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address
the disease.
*Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
* South Carolina Department of Health and
Environmental Control Swine Flu update
http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm
*CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for
guidance for universities and colleges
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm
*CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for
guidance for caring for someone with the flu
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
*APA (American Psychological Association)
article: Managing Your Anxiety About H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
http://www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194
* Winthrop University web address information
http://www2.winthrop.edu/hcs/healthservices-SwineFlu04-27-09.htm
HOW WE CAN HELP
Symptoms of an Influenza Like Illness (ILI)
include: fever, muscle aches, headache, scratchy sore throat,
cough, and runny nose. If you have these symptoms and have
concerns regarding management issues, please consult a healthcare
provider. As a student, you are welcome to contact Health Services
(803-323-2206). It is usually a good idea to call ahead before
going to your health care provider or to Health Services.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
One of the most important ways you can help
prevent the spread of the flu on our campus is for you to go home if
you become ill. If going home is not an option, we ask that you
self-isolate - or rather - stay away from others when you have a
fever and are sick. This means not participating in social
events or mingling with other students in common areas.
Basically it means staying in your room or apartment and having a
friend bring you necessities such as food, fluids, and medicine
unless you need to leave for medical care.
GENERAL DISEASE PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
As a general precaution to help prevent illness,
the following disease prevention practices are advised:
*
Cough and sneeze into your arm or elbow, not into your hands.
*
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or
cough. Sing the "ABC Song" while you wash to make sure you
have washed long enough.
*
Have a digital thermometer to monitor your temperature.
*
Use alcohol based hand sanitizers when available. Please bring a
supply from home for your personal use.
*
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
*
Avoid contact with others you know to be ill.
* If you get sick with flu like
symptoms, stay home from work or school and avoid contact with
others. The recommendation from the CDC is for anyone with influenza
like illness (ILI) to stay out of work or school until they have not
had a fever (< 100) for 24 hours and are not taking fever reducing
medication.
For further information or advice about your
health, please feel free to contact Winthrop University Health
Services (803-323-2206).
Wishing you good health,
Michelle Mann,
FNP-BC, MPH
Director of Health & Counseling Services
Winthrop University
Crawford Building
701 Oakland Ave
Rock Hill, SC 29733
mannm@winthrop.edu
(803) 323-2206, office
(803) 323-3332, fax
Welcome to Winthrop University! We are very proud and thankful
that your son/daughter chose to attend WU. For those of you who
are sending your child to school as an incoming freshman, take a
moment and pat yourselves on the back. Congratulations on
getting your son or daughter this far! For those of you
who are sending your child back to school, congratulations to
you as well and good luck for another successful year.
Remember, please encourage your child to get involved on campus. Studies show that
students who get involved and build relationships with faculty
and staff are more likely to graduate than those who do not make
connections. Winthrop has over
180 clubs and organizations that help students fill their niche.
Please be assured that the Division of Student Life Staff is very interested in the well
being of every student here at Winthrop University and
anticipate the opportunity to partner with you in their overall
success.
Please take a moment to view President DiGiorgio's
messages about our current economic status to
students and
families.
