The Flu- H1N1 and Seasonal - What You Should Know

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

To the NEC Community,

New England College has approached this flu season with a variety of initiatives. We have collaborated closely with state and local health experts to ensure that we have the most up-to-date and accurate information. Through the College’s Wellness Center, we have provided our students with information on the measures they can take to remain healthy, identified the symptoms that might indicate the presence of flu, and indicated the appropriate response should students develop flu-like symptoms.

For the past several months, reports of the H1N1 flu have featured prominently in the media. As we move into the height of the typical flu season, these reports will be particularly helpful in tracking the progression of the flu and understanding the experience of those who have had it.

Through the experience of others, we are learning that college age individuals are one of the groups that may experience higher than usual numbers of cases of the flu, and that this strain of the virus is easily transmitted person to person. However, we are also hearing that reported symptoms have been fairly mild and that following routine healthcare precautions can go a long way in minimizing exposure to the illness.

To recap the information that is posted on the College’s website, we strongly encourage any student who exhibits the symptoms commonly regarded as H1N1 to return home for treatment. Other students who must remain on campus and are experiencing similar symptoms should inform the Wellness Center (x 2253) of their condition and remain self-isolated for 24 hours after symptoms are gone. We ask all members of the NEC community to follow the routine healthcare measures that will help impede the progress of flu on our campus.

Students who miss classes or assignments as a result of illness should contact their professors immediately to discuss their options for completing their work.

Sincerely,

Michele D. Perkins, Ed.D.

President

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H1N1 Influenza Season Update - January 2010

New England College continues to work with the state and local officials to monitor the spread of the H1N1 virus.  The Wellness Center is offering the H1N1 vaccine free of charge to students by appointment M-F 8:30 to 4:30 by calling (603) 428-2253.  College faculty and staff are encouraged to consult their primary care provider to address their needs concerning vaccination.

As a reminder the following preventative measures are encouraged throughout the year:
* Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using your arm and sleeve;
* Do not share beverages or eating utensils;
* Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently throughout the day with soap and warm water;
* Be sure to get plenty of sleep and maintain a healthy diet at all times.

Flu symptoms may include:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny of stuffy nose
Body aches
Headaches
Chills
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Students are encouraged to contact the Wellness Center at (603)-428-2253 if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms.

For Parents

We recommend sending your students with a care package containing supplies of over the counter medications, such as Tylenol, Advil, cough drops, decongestants, a thermometer, tissues, and hand sanitizers.