H1N1 Influenza Information
January 21, 2010
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The Health Center will offer the H1N1 vaccine to the campus community during a special clinic on Friday, January 22 from 12 to 2 pm. No appointment is required, and the vaccine is free.
The Health Center will resume full operation from 8 am to 10 pm on January 27. Students may call 413-538-2242 for a nursing appointment at that time to obtain the H1N1 vaccine or the seasonal flu vaccine. Although the H1N1 vaccine is free, there is a $20 charge for the seasonal flu vaccine.
January 8, 2010
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
January 11-15 is National Influenza Vaccination Week, and vaccine for both seasonal influenza and H1N1 influenza is available at the Health Center.
Thus far, we have not seen an influx of influenza-like-illness in January, but we would like to remind everyone that flu season typically continues through March. As you may be hearing from the national media, health officials remain concerned that we will see another “wave” of H1N1 influenza this winter and spring.
If you have not already received the flu vaccines, you may want to consider doing so this month. The H1N1 vaccine is free; there is a $20 charge for the seasonal vaccine. To make an appointment at the health center, call 413-538-2242. The center is open from 9 am to 1 pm daily during the month of January.
December 9, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The Health Center has a limited amount of H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine available to Mount Holyoke students, faculty, and staff by appointment. The H1N1 vaccine is free; there is a $20 charge for the seasonal vaccine, payable by One Card, cash, or check. (Students can also be billed if needed.) To make an appointment, call 538-2121.
More than 300 doses of the H1N1 vaccine were administered to members of the campus community during Mount Holyoke's clinic on December 3. To find other flu clinics in Massachusetts, visit MassPro.
To learn more about the H1N1 virus, read Mount Holyoke's latest Questioning Authority feature with associate professor of biological sciences and immunology expert Sharon Stranford.
November 30, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The Health Center staff continues to see a decline in the number of students presenting with influenza-like illness. Over the Thanksgiving break only one student remained in on-campus isolation; she has now returned to her residence hall room. To date, there have been 120 influenza-like cases this semester; during the month of November, 46 students were isolated in on-campus areas and another 34 students returned home to recover.
Vaccine
An H1N1 vaccine clinic is scheduled for Thursday, December 3, from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in the Patti Groves Health Center. All students, faculty, and staff are eligible to receive the vaccine, regardless of health status. The vaccine is free, and no appointment is neccesary.
Additional doses of seasonal influenza vaccine are also now available and will be administered by appointment at the health center during regular hours. There is a $20 charge for the seasonal vaccine, payable by One Card, cash, or check; students can also be billed if needed. To make an appointment, call 538-2121.
November 16, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
In the past week the surge of new H1N1 cases seems to have slowed. Since the start of the semester, 110 students have been seen in the health center or have reported going home due to influenza-like illness. Of these, 69 cases occurred between November 1 and November 15. Among this month's cases, 32 students recovered at home and 37 were placed in on-campus isolation areas. As of today only one student remains in isolation. Several students continue to recover at home.
Students should continue to call the health center if they develop symptoms consistent with influenza-like-illness, as health center staff will evaluate them to rule out other possible causes of illness.
On November 12 the health center held a vaccine clinic for students at risk for complications of influenza. During this session more than 50 students received the H1N1 vaccine. A second clinic is scheduled November 19 for Mount Holyoke students, faculty, and staff who meet the Center for Disease Control's criteria for high priority/high risk groups. There will also be a limited number of doses of nasal vaccine available during this clinic for students under age 50 and in good health. The clinic will be held from 4:30 to 7 pm at the health center. Pre-registration is not required, but participants are asked to bring their Mount Holyoke ID.
November 9, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The College Health Center has seen 70 students with flu-like illness since the start of the semester (as of November 6). From November 1 to 6, 19 students returned home to recuperate, and another 17 were placed in isolation. To date, no Mount Holyoke students have required hospitalization or suffered flu-related complications. Students complaining of illness continued to visit the Health Center over the weekend.
The Health Center will host a vaccine clinic this week exclusively for students at high risk for complications from H1N1. Visit the Health Center Web site for details and to see if you are an at-risk student. Additional vaccine clinics will be scheduled for the Mount Holyoke community as more H1N1 vaccine becomes available.
The Health Center is unable to make appointments for seasonal flu vaccine at present. If and when more vaccine becomes available, notice will posted on Health Center Web site.
November 5, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Nancy E. Apple, Emergency Response Team H1N1 Coordinator
Vaccination Clinic Volunteers Needed
While the supply of H1N1 vaccination remains limited, we plan to offer campus vaccination clinics once an adequate supply of vaccine is available. Initial clinics will likely be intended for Mount Holyoke students, again depending on the amount of vaccine available to us. Clinics are tentatively scheduled for November 19, 23, and 30, and December 8. Clinic times will depend on the number of vaccine doses we receive, but we are currently planning to operate the clinics from 9 am to 5:30 pm.
Volunteers are needed for the clinics to assist the health center staff in tasks such as checking-in, distributing forms, directing participants to designated stations, and in setting-up and breaking-down. While most volunteer tasks do not require any medical background, certified EMTs and first responders are also needed. A commitment of two to four hours is requested for two-hour shifts that will begin at 8 am. Volunteers will be eligible for vaccination based on health screening and the availability of vaccine.
Staff who wish to volunteer may request up to four hours of paid release time from their supervisor. The request must be made and approved in advance, and in some circumstances, release time may not be available, based on the operational needs of the department. If you are able to volunteer, please submit your availability on the clinic dates to Lori Smith in the environmental health and safety office. We will then be in touch to confirm your schedule once clinic dates are finalized.
November 1, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
Since the start of the fall semster, we have identified 38 cases of influenza-like-illness; 14 of these have occurred since October 25. Of these, 29 students have been placed in on-campus isolation spaces, and nine students have gone home for recuperation. On average, students have remained in isolation two to three days, although some have required four to five days.
The Health Center still has some seasonal flu vaccine available. If you have not already had a flu shot, call 538-2121 to make an appointment to receive the vaccine.
We expect to receive a very small amount of H1N1 vaccine this week, and it will be used to vaccinate our campus health care workers and EMS first-responders.
October 23, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The health center staff continues to treat students with influenza-like illness (ILI). Since the beginning of the semester we have identified 24 cases of ILI. Of these, five students recuperated at home and 19 were placed in on-campus isolation; two of the latter subsequently went home to recover. No Mount Holyoke students have required hospitalization.
Any student having a fever over 100 F with a cough, sore throat, or body aches should call the health center and speak to a nurse. This is very important in limiting the spread of influenza and for more accurate diagnosis and treatment of illness. All members of the community should continue to use prevention strategies to reduce the transmission of the virus. These include the following:
- Get plenty of sleep, manage your stress, eat nutritious food, exercise, and don’t smoke.
- Cough into your elbow, or cover your nose and mouth with tissue. Dispose of tissues after one use in a receptacle, then wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol based wipes to clean shared public surfaces such as keyboards in computer labs.
- Do NOT share utensils, drinks, cigarettes or personal items.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.
Seasonal flu vaccine for students is available at the Health Center. Call ext. 2121 to schedule an appointment to receive your vaccine. H1N1 vaccine is slowly being distributed across the state to high risk individuals. We anticipate the arrival of this vaccine for students in mid-November, though the projections continue to change.
October 16, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The Health Center has continued to see sporadic cases of influenza-like illness. To date 16 students have been isolated; 12 have been isolated in designated on-campus housing, and four have returned to their homes to recuperate. The cases continue to be mild, and no hospitalizations have been required. The average length of isolation is three days.
We are making plans for the distribution of H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to us. Based on projections by the Department of Public Health, we anticipate our first H1N1 vaccine clinic will be scheduled in the second week of November. Specific dates will be announced to the community when the vaccine has been received.
We anticipate the vaccine we receive in the first and second allotments will primarily be the mist form of the live attenuated influenza vaccine. This vaccine is appropriate for individuals ages 2-49 who are in good health and do not have a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, or cardiac condition, and who are not receiving immunosuppressive therapy. A health screening form will be completed by all individuals seeking vaccination to assure administration of this vaccine in accordance with product safety guidelines. For more information on the vaccine, please see:
October 2, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
Flu Update
The Health Center has seen small numbers of students with influenza-like illness. As of October 1, a total of twelve students have met the criterion for influenza-like illness. During the past week three students have returned home for recuperation, and no students have been placed into on-campus isolation areas.
Vaccine Update
Seasonal flu vaccine:
The health center is awaiting shipment of the remainder of our ordered doses. We will resume making appointments for students once the vaccine is delivered. Faculty and staff who are at risk for complications of influenza should consult with their primary care provider, local board of health, or other commercial sources for flu vaccine.
H1N1 vaccine:
We will notify the campus community of scheduled clinics for vaccine distribution when supplies are available to the health center. The initial delivery of vaccine to the Commonwealth is expected early this month; the initial number of doses will be small and targeted for administration to hospital and pediatric health care providers, pregnant women, and healthy young children.
September 24, 2009
To: Mount Holyoke Faculty and Staff
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
Flu Update
Mount Holyoke continues to have cases of influenza-like-illness. We currently we have one student in isolation, and one student has returned home to recover from her illness. We have isolated a total of nine students since the opening of school. All cases thus far have been mild, with fever and other symptoms lasting about four days. None of these students has required hospitalization.
We encourage all members of the community to continue with cough etiquette and handwashing precautions. Any student who has a fever greater than 100 F, a cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion should call the health center to speak with a nurse (413-538-2242). Faculty and staff experiencing these symptoms should stay home from work and consult their personal health care provider if symptoms worsen or if they are at risk of complications from influenza.
Vaccine Update
Given the current shortage of the seasonal flu vaccine, we are uncertain how much the College will be able to purchase. We will continue to offer the seasonal flu vaccine to students, but at this time we encourage faculty and staff to explore other options for being vaccinated against the seasonal flu. We will return to our original plan for community flu clinics when a greater supply of vaccine becomes available.
H1N1 vaccine has not yet been distributed by the CDC or Mass. Public Health. We will notify the community when we are informed of an arrival date for this vaccine. We anticipate this to occur in mid- to late-October.
September 11, 2009
To: The Mount Holyoke Community, Parents, & Campus Guests
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
The semester has started smoothly, although we have seen a small number of flu cases. Two students with flu-like illness are currently in isolation and recovering; a third is being monitored.
With influenza-like-illness within the community, it is essential to the health of individuals and the community that we evaluate possible flu cases and isolate individuals as appropriate. Students experiencing influenza-like symptoms (fever over 100; cough; sore throat; runny nose) should call the Health Center at x 2242. Faculty and staff should encourage students to call us. Parents within 250 miles of campus should be prepared to bring their daughters home for the period of isolation/recuperation.
We thank everyone for their vigilance and cooperation.
September 8, 2009
To: The Mount Holyoke Community & Campus Guests
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
As you are well aware by now, it is very likely that there will be cases of H1N1 on campus this year. I'd like to take this opportunity to address a few particular flu-related topics that might be on your minds, or which might prove helpful over the course of the year.
- H1N1 is arriving earlier in the fall than the traditional flu season.
- Symptoms include:
- fever over 100
- cough
- sore throat
- runny nose
- Faculty and staff should stay home from work if they are sick. We appreciate the dedication of our employees, but we must do all we can to limit the spread of virus.
- Please encourage students who are ill to CALL the health center at x2121.
- We have reserved a limited number of beds to isolate ill students on campus. Students who live within 250 miles of campus are encouraged to go home until they recover.
- In order to limit transmission:
- Cough into your elbow
- Wash your hands frequently (much more effective than using hand sanitizers)
- Use disinfectant wipes in areas with rapid turnover of individuals, i.e., computer work stations
- Students may call x2121 to schedule a nursing appointment. Cost to students: $10
- Faculty and staff may come to the flu clinics in Blanchard starting in late September. Cost to faculty and staff: $20 (please pay with OneCard).
- When the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, the Health Center will offer it to faculty, staff, and students at no charge. Only limited quantities will be available at first, and we will follow the CDC guidelines to determine the priority of particular populations.
- Family members who wish to receive either the flu or the H1N1 vaccine should work through their primary care providers.
My staff and I thank you in advance for your support and patience throughout what stands to be a very busy year.
August 7, 2009
To: The Mount Holyoke Community & Campus Guests
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
As you may be aware, there continue to be new cases of H1N1 influenza regionally, nationally and internationally. We are preparing for an increased volume of illness and an earlier start to the influenza season. Over the summer we have maintained communications with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and monitored the updates from the Centers for Disease Control.
In anticipation of an increase in influenza cases this fall, the College’s Emergency Response Team continues to plan in order to minimize the impact of influenza on the MHC community. Collaboration within the Five Colleges to address these issues is also ongoing. Plans will be posted and communicated as they become finalized. This will continue to be a dynamic situation as information and guidelines from the federal and state health agencies are disseminated.
It is important for families to develop their own contingency plans in the case of illness and required isolation of students. Students whose home is within a 250 mile driving radius of the campus and who require isolation due to influenza will be expected to return to their homes by personal car for the duration of the isolation. Public transportation will not be an option due to public health concerns. All efforts will be made by faculty and staff to help students keep up with their coursework during the period of isolation and recuperation.
As reported in the media, the CDC in Atlanta is encouraging all individuals to receive vaccine for seasonal influenza and to do this earlier than in past years. Seasonal flu vaccine will be available on campus. In the past, very few students have requested flu vaccine, therefore we strongly suggest that parents and students discuss the recommendations for immunization prior to coming to campus. Students with chronic medical conditions that place them at increased risk of complications from influenza are particularly encouraged to receive vaccine. Details on the campus-based flu vaccine clinics will be available on our website in September. Please email Health Services if you have questions regarding high risk conditions.
We are working with our regional and state immunization program regarding the availability of vaccine for H1N1 influenza and guidelines for distribution. If and when this vaccine is available, we will comply with the guidelines and priorities established for distribution. At this time there is no recommendation for widespread use of antiviral medications.
Prevention strategies to avoid illness from influenza are the same as in past years. These strategies will be even more important this season in order to avoid illness and have a productive semester:
- Get plenty of sleep, manage your stress, eat nutritious food, exercise, and don’t smoke
- Cough in your elbow or cover nose and mouth with tissue. Dispose of tissues after one use in a receptacle, followed by hand washing.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol based wipes when using public surfaces such as keyboards in computer labs
- DO NOT share utensils, drinks, cigarettes or personal items
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others.
Students are encouraged to bring with them supplies for monitoring and managing possible influenza:
- Thermometer (a non-mercury digital thermometer)
- Over-the-counter analgesic; Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil)
- Lozenges
- Cough syrup
- Tissues
- Hand Sanitizers (hand washing is still the best method of decreasing transmission)
- Supply of sports drinks, herbal tea and soups
May 15, 2009
To: The Mount Holyoke Community & Campus Guests
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
As of today, May 15, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of H1N1 within the Mount Holyoke community. Commencement and reunion events, as well as all other campus activities, will take place as scheduled.
In preparation for Commencement and Reunion, the College advises students and campus guests to follow the guidelines below in accordance with CDC recommendations:
- If you are ill or have had a flu-like illness within the last seven days, you should not come to campus. Seek medical care if you are experiencing a flu-like illness with the following symptoms:
- Fever (100 or higher)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Campus guests are encouraged to bring hand sanitizer and tissues as needed for their own personal use.
- We strongly encourage taking personal precautions to reduce the potential for further outbreaks of H1N1:
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or cover your mouth with a tissue. Dispose immediately of used tissues and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizers when hand-washing is not possible. A hand washing should last as long as it takes you to sing "Happy Birthday."
- Maintain good nutrition, sleep and hydration.
- Avoid crowds if possible, and maintain a distance of 3-6 feet from anyone who appears to have a flu-like illness.
- If you develop flu-like symptoms as outlined above during your visit to campus, please limit your contact with others and call your health care provider. If your flu-like symptoms persist, you may call the College's Health Center at 413-538-2242 to determine if you should be assessed by a clinician on campus. After the Health Center’s usual hours of operation, press zero to reach the on-call clinician.
Although there are presently no active cases, the College continues to follow policies and procedures appropriate for protecting the campus from H1N1. Mount Holyoke officials remain in contact with the other members of the Five College Consortium and the Massachusetts DPH to monitor any changes in the current situation. Updated information will be posted to this site as needed.
Pandemic Update, May 6, 2009
To: The Mount Holyoke Community
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
As of yesterday, May 5, the state Department of Public Health confirmed three students at Amherst College have tested positive for the H1N1 virus. As of May 4 the DPH reported 34 cases across Massachusetts; all of these cases are expected to fully recover, and none of the patients involved are hospitalized.
There are no confirmed cases of H1N1 at Mount Holyoke. One student who presented with a flu-like illness this past Sunday remains in isolation in a self-contained apartment and is recovering; no additional MHC students have been identified with similar symptoms since then. Several students with flu-like symptoms at Amherst remain in isolation and are recovering. Students with flu-like symptoms have also been identified and placed in isolation at Smith and Hampshire Colleges, per DPH recommendation.
It is important to note that, other than the identified cases at Amherst, none of the other students have been confirmed to have the H1N1 flu. Because of the presence of the virus in the Five College community and the high degree of interaction among the campuses, state health officials are recommending against testing new cases for H1N1 at this time unless the patient is ill enough to require hospitalization. The College will proceed with an abundance of caution and continue to implement policies and procedures appropriate for protecting the campus from H1N1.
MHC officials will remain in contact with Amherst College, other members of the Five College Consortium, and the DPH to monitor any changes in the current situation. Campus activities will continue as scheduled for the present. Students and other community members are advised to continue to practice good health habits and follow DPH recommendations for preventing the spread of the flu, as outlined in the May 1 update.
Students concerned that they have flu-like symptoms should call the Health Center at 413-538-2242 before going in person. After the Health Center’s usual hours of operation, press zero to reach the on-call clinician. Updated information will be posted to this site as needed.
Additional resources for members of the Mount Holyoke community who are currently abroad or planning to travel abroad are the World Health Organization and the US Embassy website (or your home country’s embassy) for your location. Students who are studying abroad should check with their program or host university about the situation in their area. We recommend that US citizens register with the local embassy, if they have not already done so, so that they may be contacted in the event of an emergency (US citizens can register on-line; citizens of other countries should check with their home country’s embassy to see if a similar service is available).
Pandemic Update, May 4, 2009
To: The Mount Holyoke Community
From: Karen Engell, Director of Health Services
As of Sunday, May 3, we have one Mount Holyoke student with flu-like illness. There does not appear to be any connection between this student and the possible cases reported at Amherst College.
On the recommendation of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), we are placing the student in isolation in a self-contained apartment adjacent to campus; that will allow her to rest and recover while eliminating unnecessary contact with others. This is done as a precautionary measure only. There is no confirmation at this point that the student is suffering H1N1 2009, nor is there confirmation from the federal Center for Disease Control that the two Amherst College students are infected with swine flu.
For a number of reasons, we feel that isolation outside of this student’s dorm is an appropriate safeguard. It is consistent with the approach used by Amherst College. We will stay in touch with Amherst College and DPH to determine if their recommendations will change when the results from Amherst cases are known.
Students concerned that they have flu-like symptoms should call the Health Center at 413-538-2242 before coming in person. After the Health Center’s usual hours of operation press zero to reach the on-call clinician. In many cases “flu-like” symptoms are being confused by students with seasonal allergy symptoms: running nose, scratchy throat, no fever.
Swine Flu Update from President Joanne Creighton, May 1, 2009
Yesterday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) identified two probable cases of H1N1 (swine) flu at Amherst College. While it is important to note that the cases have not yet been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the students involved are receiving appropriate treatment, doing well, and expected to recover fully.
Because it is possible that the illness is present on the Amherst College campus, that school is taking precautions, including asking anyone with symptoms to seek medical evaluation, recommending preemptive care for individuals with compromised immune systems, and canceling a number of social gatherings.
Ongoing surveillance has not identified any cases of H1N1 at Mount Holyoke and, based on guidance from the MDPH and the CDC, all activities on our campus are continuing as scheduled. Assessment of the situation is ongoing; if the advice of public health experts changes or circumstances warrant, the decision will be revisited.
Mount Holyoke College is taking steps to monitor and prepare for the flu pandemic. Updates to the community are being placed on the College’s Web gateways for students, faculty and staff, and parents.
It is important, as reports of swine flu (confirmed or unconfirmed) swell through the media, that the College community respond appropriately, that we maintain perspective, and that we guard against overreaction. To this end, we are taking the steps detailed below.
The following information comes from the Health Center:
College staff continue to monitor the progression of swine flu and participate in ongoing discussion with the Department of Public Health and colleagues within the Five Colleges. The Department of Public Health has a swine flu information line that is open 24/7. Anyone may call 211 for general information. This line is not a source of specific guidance or answers to clinical questions.
At this time there are no suspected or confirmed cases of swine flu on the MHC campus. We have not seen an increase in the number of students seeking care for flu-like illness. We strongly encourage each of you to use personal precautions to reduce the potential for infection. These are the same precautions that are recommended annually during flu season:
- Cough or sneeze into your sleeve, or cover your mouth with a tissue. Dispose immediately of used tissues and wash your hands.
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water when possible or use of hand sanitizers. Hand washing should last through one singing of “Happy Birthday.”
- Maintain good nutrition, sleep and hydration.
- Avoid crowds if possible and maintain a distance of 3-6 feet from anyone who appears to have a flu-like illness.
Seek medical care if you are experiencing a flu-like illness with the following symptoms:
- Fever (100 or higher)
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
To reduce the potential for exposure and to try to limit the spread of the flu, the following steps are being implemented by staff of Public Safety and the Health Center.
Students: All Mount Holyoke College students with the above symptoms should call the Health Center before coming to urgent care. Call 413-538-2242. After the Health Center’s usual hours of operation press zero to reach the on-call clinician.
Faculty and Staff: Employees with these symptoms should not report to work and should contact their primary health care providers
Students contacting Public Safety for a ride to the Health Center will first be asked specifically about symptoms that suggest a flu-like illness. Students with these illnesses will be transferred to the Health Center.
Public Safety will continue to transport students to the Health Center, but any student with these symptoms must be evaluated by phone by a Health Center nurse prior to the transport and will be asked to wear a surgical mask during the transport.
All students with flu symptoms will be directed to the urgent care area for evaluation and care.
At this time the College calendar remains unchanged, and the community will be notified of any changes or cancellations required by the Department of Public Health.
For additional updates and information regarding swine flu refer to:
