To the Chapman Community:

With the Swine Flu (H1N1) becoming prominent in the news once again, we wanted to share with you how we are planning to address the potential of an H1N1 occurrence at Chapman. Chapman has a campus wide emergency plan in place to address broad range of issues and health concerns, and we have extended this plan to include an H1N1 pandemic. We have established a Pandemic Committee which includes representatives from Health Services, Student Affairs, Public Safety, Human Resources, Residence Life, and Risk Management, with regular input from the Orange County Public Health Department as well.

We expect to see more cases of H1N1 this fall, consistent with what is happening in public communities around the country and the world. Cases already have appeared on most college campuses, and we should anticipate that we will have at least a few cases here as well. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the H1N1 virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal flu strains; unlike most flu strains, however, H1N1 cases do seem to occur more frequently among college-age adults. More information on the H1N1 flu is available on the following websites:

• Center for Disease Control, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
• California Dept. for Public Health http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx
• Chapman University H1N1 Website /publicSafety/fluUpdate.asp (includes link to FAQs)

The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home or in their room until they have been fever-free for 24 hours (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur, but barring any other flu symptoms this cough should not prevent individuals from returning to work or class.

If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or student health services.

It is not anticipated that classes or other activities at Chapman will be impacted significantly by the occurrence of the H1N1 virus on campus. However, the emergency response team will monitor the campus situation and, in consultation with the Orange County Public Health team, will make recommendations regarding any changes in or cancellation of campus activities; any decision regarding the cancellation of classes will be made by the Chancellor. Of course, any such decisions will be communicated broadly to faculty, students, and staff.

Finally, the most important course of action is for all students, faculty, and staff, to diminish their chances of flu/respiratory disease by following these precautions:

• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your nose and mouth (using your sleeve when necessary) when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after you sneeze, or use an alcohol-based hand gel with at least 60% alcohol.

In addition, the following vaccinations are expected to be available fall 2009:

Seasonal flu vaccine will be available at the Student Health Center on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th. There is a $15 dollar charge for students.  Faculty and Staff may also receive the seasonal flu vaccination which is covered as an employee benefit.

Thank you for your efforts to keep yourself and all other members of the Chapman Community in good health. Together we can minimize the impact of this virus on all of us.  

Sincerely,