About the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus
With students back on campuses, the H1N1 Virus, better known as the “Swine Flu,” is of great concern for colleges and universities across the country. At Bay Path, the health and safety of students, faculty and staff are top priorities and we’ve established a H1N1 task force to insure that the situation is monitored closely.
The H1N1 task force follows the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control, and this web page will provide the most current information for the Longmeadow, Sturbridge/Charlton and Burlington campuses. The task force will also alert the community through campus-wide e-mails of the latest news and ways to minimize the spread of the H1N1 virus.
What We Are Doing
To respond to the H1N1 virus, we have taken the following measures:
- We have installed hand sanitizers in key locations in all buildings.
- We have made available disposable wipes in all computer labs and the fitness center.
- We have instituted additional cleaning routines for the housekeeping staff to put a stronger focus on all “touch” surfaces.
- We have worked with ARAMARK, Bay Path’s food service provider, to institute a series of measures designed to minimize the spread of the virus.
- We will be holding informational meetings on a periodic basis with key groups on campus to heighten the awareness of the H1N1 virus.
- We have established an on-campus location for Longmeadow residential students who are suspected or confirmed to have the H1N1 virus.
Flu Symptoms
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), the symptoms of H1N1 flu can include a combination of the following:
- Fever higher than 100.4 degrees
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
At this time, there is a vaccine to protect against the H1N1 virus. Distribution of the vaccine has been initiated and state and local governments are starting to receive doses. Bay Path College has been given a very limited supply of the vaccine and is administering it to those members of the campus community who are classified as high risk according to CDC guidelines. If you have flu-like symptoms, we encourage students who live in the resident halls to contact Health Services, and for non-resident (commuter) and students on our satellite campuses to contact your primary-care physician as soon as possible.
How To Keep Healthy
Here are some basic steps recommended by the CDC that will help prevent the spread of germs and the H1N1 virus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose or mouth when you sneeze; the CDC also recommends you cough into your elbow.
- Discard all used tissues into the trash immediately.
- Don’t share food, drinks, utensil, and other similar items.
- Avoid contact with ill persons.
- If you’re sick, stay home from school or work.
As always, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site for the most up-to-date information about the H1N1 virus.
