Otterbein College H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Update
The Ohio Department of Health's H1N1 Information line is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and is answered by a live person. Please call 1-866-800-1404 for answers to your questions about swine flu.
November 20, 2009
from Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Board of Health
Upcoming H1N1 Vaccine Clinics
Community based H1N1 vaccination clinics are expanding availability to young adults 19 through their 24th year and adults between 25 through 64 years of age with underlying medical conditions. Poster attached to share and display.
- Monday, November 23rd
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Vineyard Columbus, 6000 Cooper Road, Columbus, OH 43081
- Sponsored by Franklin County Board of Health
- Monday, November 23rd
- 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
- Sponsored by Columbus Public Health
- Tuesday, November 24th
- 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Veterans Memorial, 300 W. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
- Sponsored by Columbus Public Health
Who is Eligible
The clinics listed above will be open ONLY to the following groups:
- All children/young adults age 6 months to 24 years
- Adults age 25 through 64 years with underlying medical conditions
- Pregnant women
- Adult caregivers of children under 6 months old
- Healthcare workers
More Details
- The vaccinations will be provided free of charge.
- Those getting vaccinated: wear short or loose sleeves and eat something before coming.
- No one will be vaccinated if they are sick with flu-like symptoms.
- All children 9 years and younger will need a second dose after 28 days to be fully protected.
- Parents or guardians must accompany children under 18 in order for them to be vaccinated.
- Vaccine supplies will be limited.
For further details, updates and additional clinics, please visit www.columbuspandemicflu.org.
Answers to a Few Common Questions
Q. How many doses of H1N1 flu vaccine are needed?
A. One dose: Adults and children 10 –17 years old. Two doses: Children 6 months – 9 years old
Q: How far apart should the two doses of H1N1 flu vaccine for children be spaced?
A: The first dose should be given as soon as vaccine becomes available. The second dose should be given 28 or more days after the first dose. Although there is no time limit between the doses, the sooner the second dose is given after the 28 days, the sooner the child will be protected.
Q: Can seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine be given at the same visit?
A: Both seasonal and H1N1 vaccines are available as “flu shot” (injected) and nasal spray formulations. Both seasonal and H1N1 flu shots or a combination of the flu shot and nasal spray can be given together or at any time in between. However, the seasonal and H1N1 nasal sprays cannot be given at the same time and must be separated by 28 days or more.
Stay Informed
- www.ColumbusPandemicFlu.org or by calling 2-1-1 (221-2255)
- www.facebook.com and search Columbus Flu Info
- www.twitter.com/ColumbusFluInfo
- Columbus and Franklin County Influenza Weekly Report
November 6, 2009
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the week of October 18-24, 2009, influenza activity continued to increase in the United States. Flu activity is now widespread in 48 states, including Ohio. Otterbein is no different, as visits to the Health Center for influenza-like illness (ILI) and reports by students continue to increase and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. Click here to read the full update on how you can keep yourself healthy. Also, learn about Bon Appetite's Sick Tray Meals.
September 29, 2009
Compliance on Guidelines
To All Otterbein Faculty, Staff, and Students:
Otterbein College is committed to compliance with the recommendations from the Center for Disease Control. To that end, if a student is experiencing flu-like symptoms and is absent from class, we will not penalize the student academically for such absences. An affected student may visit the Health Center; the Health Center in turn will notify Academic Affairs, and our office will share that information with the student’s professors.
For part-time and/or adult students, who do not typically visit the Health Center, we are asking faculty to accept the student’s statement that he or she has been experiencing flu-like symptoms. The CDC is encouraging people to stay home, and not visit doctors’ offices unless symptoms are severe. Given that recommendation, we will not require a doctor’s excuse.
Otterbein faculty and staff should also stay home if they have flu-like symptoms.
September 25, 2009
Feeling lousy with a fever? The best medicine to reduce fever is Tylenol or an Ibuprofen product . Aspirin is not recommended by the healthcare experts. The CDC not only states that aspirin should be avoided, but lists 5 Brand Name medications that can be used instead of aspirin (Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, and Aleve). The URL for this CDC document is: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
September 18, 2009
A letter to parents and families from Bob Gatti, Vice President and Dean for Student Affairs.
September 8, 2009
A message from Student Affairs to the Otterbein community about H1N1.
September 3, 2009
Please read this memo from Bob Gatti, VP and Dean for Student Affairs regarding Otterbein’s plans and information sources for preparation of the H1N1 virus this season. Should you have any questions or concerns please direct them to Dean Gatti at ext. 1250. Click here to watch how you can protect yourself from the spread of the flu virus. Click here to learn how to properly clean your home and work surfaces to control the spread of the flu virus.
August 27, 2009
The National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) has developed a web resource regarding the H1N1 virus, including useful links from the Center for Disease Control and a flu-tracker that goes to the community level. Click here for the list of resources.
May 26, 2009
County confirms two more cases of swine flu. Read the article in the Columbus Dispatch.
May 13, 2009
Federal health official confirm the second case of swine flu at The Ohio State University. Read the article in the Columbus Dispatch.
May 6, 2009
Click here to read the latest article in the Columbus Dispatch regarding the H1N1 virus in Ohio and elsewhere.
May 1, 2009
Please know that no suspected cases of the flu virus have been reported to date at Otterbein College. We are proactively providing this information to you to take safety precautions and where to seek help if necessary. Bon Appétit, our food service provider, and the Service Department have elevated day to day safety/cleaning procedures. Anti bacterial hand cleanser will be offered at various locations on campus including the dining areas. See FAQS for more tips on prevention.
Members of Student Affairs at Otterbein: 614-823-1250
Feeling Anxious: http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194
Security Department: 614-823-1222
Ohio Department of Health: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/landing/phs_emergency/swineflu.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov, or http://www.pandemicflu.gov
CDC Swine Flu Influenza Website: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
HHS Swine Flu Influenza Website: http://www.hhs.gov
WHO Pandemic Alert Levels Website: http://bit.ly/SZACp
Global Incident Map: http://outbreaks.globalincidentmap.com/home.php
NAICU Resources for Higher Education: http://www.naicu.edu/news_room/swine-flu-resources-for-higher-education
- A Public Health Emergency (PHE) remains in effect nationally.
- The CDC has confirmed 109 cases of H1N1 influenza and 1 death in the United States.
- There are now 11 states with confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza.
- The CDC states that the current pattern suggests more severe illness emerging.
- California and Texas have declared a State of Emergency.
- The Ft. Worth, TX School District has closed all schools (80,000 students)
- The Department of Education states that over 100 schools are closed around the nation.
In Ohio:
- Franklin County Health Officials report 2 probable cases of H1N1 influenza in Franklin County.
- Ross County reports 2 suspected cases of H1N1 influenza.
- Ohio State University Medical Center reports 1 probable case of H1N1 influenza (see statement below)
- No emergency public health actions being recommended by Franklin County, State of Ohio, or the CDC.
- State of Ohio Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues at activation level CAS-2 (Crisis Action System), conducting assessment and monitoring. The Joint Information Center is operating from 7:30 AM to 5:00PM, and the Assessment Room is operational 24 hrs.
- The Ohio Department of Health hotline (1-866-800-1404) continues to operate from 8:00AM to 5:00 PM.
- WHO Influenza Pandemic Alert: Level 5 (Upgraded 4/29/2009) This means that sustained human to human transmission is documented. This is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and preparations for mitigation and planning efforts should be finalized.
- Outside of Mexico, presentation of H1N1 influenza shows mild symptoms similar with typical influenza type sickness.
- 9 Countries officially report 148 cases of 2009 H1N1 Flu according to WHO.
- Mexico and the United States remain the only two nations with reported deaths related to the H1N1 influenza.
- WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders.
April 26, 2009
The Otterbein Community received the following information about H1N1:
