Message to Parents
H1N1 on the Campus - A message to Parents of Students of Memorial University Students
Media reports of the H1N1 flu have understandably caused some parents concern in recent days. Memorial University has experienced an increase in flu-like illness but we believe the situation is manageable.
Numbers to date
Our data shows that as of Nov. 10, 2009, approximately 1400 students (just over 8% of the student population) had reported flu-like illness on our self-reporting system. About 160 students in our residence complexes had reported flu-like illness. The majority of these cases have been resolved. None of the cases in residence has required hospitalization.
H1N1 Preparedness Planning
The health of our students is important to us. Since the spring, we worked with local health officials, public health agencies and our academic leaders to ensure that Memorial University was fully prepared for the arrival of H1N1 influenza. We educated our campus communities about proper hand washing and other activities to mitigate the spread of the H1N1 strain. We also arranged for town hall information sessions for students and employees focusing on the central message of ‘Clean, Cover and Contain’.
For a more complete picture of these efforts, and to find a number of contacts should you have any concerns or questions, please visit our web page at www.mun.ca/h1n1.
Residence Students
In addition, residence students are being monitored for H1N1 by residence personnel. Staff members have been briefed on symptoms and there is a systematic protocol in place for dealing with students who present with flu-like illness.
On the St. John's Campus staff will ensure that, if possible, the campus physician from Student Health Services (SHS) will visit to consult with students who are ill. Students with underlying health conditions (i.e. asthma, diabetes, etc.) and whose symptoms are severe will be transported to a hospital. Residence staff can make these arrangements if the student cannot.
Students at Grenfell Campus are advised to check with their family physicians. Anyone without a family doctor should contact Student Services at 637-6232, or call the provincial healthline at 1-888-709-2929.
Concerns? Questions?
The health of our students, your sons and daughters, is a top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at or e-mail us at:
About H1N1 Planning:
* David Head, Chair, Pandemic Preparedness Planning Committee at dwhead@mun.ca or 709-737-4895;
* Karen Alexander, Emergency Management Coordinator, at kalexander@mun.ca or phone 709-737-7544.
Further details about H1N1 Planning at Grenfell Campus:
Dennis Waterman, director of finance and administration; waterman@swgc.mun.ca, 709-637-6251
Mary Sparkes, coordinator, Student Services - msparkes@swgc.mun.ca, 709-637-6248
