WSSU on alert for H1N1

Although there has not been an outbreak of H1N1 on Winston-Salem State's campus, the University's administration remains concerned about the possible spread of H1N1.

"From a policy and procedure standpoint, we have developed a three-prong system," said Jonathan Martin, executive assistant to the chancellor.

The three prongs are prevention, treatment, and protocol.

Martin is a member of the pandemic planning committee, comprised from the Emergency Operations Center Team.

The pandemic planning committee has about 14 members, including Chancellor Donald Reaves, WSSU Police Chief Patricia Norris, and Martin.

Guided by the University of  North Carolina system, the committee has  focused intensely on the H1N1 virus and has developed a list of prevention and treatment recommendations.

"There is a network of pandemic coordinators who are driven by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines," Martin said.

As part of the prevention prong, the WSSU facilities department has ensured the installation of hand sanitizing stations at high traffic areas throughout campus -- including the Thompson Center, Eller Hall, the Old Maintenance Building, W.B. Atkinson, E. J. Jones Computer Science, F. L. Atkins, R. J. Reynolds, Hall-Patterson, the Anderson Center, and all residence halls.

In addition to implementing the hand sanitizing stations, Provost Brenda Allen has sent H1N1 Flu Protocol, Prevention and Treatment information to the University via e-mail.
As part of the treatment prong, students are encouraged to visit Student Health Services,  if  they feel sick. WSSU also sponsored an influenza clinic Sept. 16-18 for students, faculty and staff.

Seasonal flu shots were offered for $30. This was the first time WSSU offered a mass flu shot distribution.  

There were provisions to provide 700 shots, but Carisa Hoyle, nurse supervisor  from Student Health Services, reported a minimal turnout.     

      
In addition to the flu clinic, a flu buddy system has been developed. According to the H1N1 Flu Prevention, Treatment, and Protocol document from Provost Allen, "Flu Buddies" are suggested for students who must be isolated.

The flu buddy system implemented at WSSU involves Housing & Residence Life and Aramark Food Services. Aramark will be providing a three-day supply of food for students in isolation because of the flu. The food can be delivered by a friend, buddy, or resident assistant.

As part of the protocol, the University says that anyone who has  a flu-like illness, should  call Chief   Norris.

"This allows us to make sure we have the proper support from all aspects of the University," Martin said.

 "We can then alert the Office of Academic Affairs, Armark Food Services, and others so that the proper people know who may be out sick.

"We want to make sure we capture the needs of all University faculty, staff, and students, including those who reside off-campus."

The Ram Alert, the University's text messaging system, will be used in case of a campus-wide emergency.

In addition, the pandemic planning committee said  students in residential halls should not share items such as dishes. And they should be careful  when they attend large events where people are in close proximity with others.

"Although we are highly prepared, we never want to be over-confident," Martin said. "We plan to stay abreast of new recommendations from the CDC. The three-prong system provides a high-level of preparedness."

"We have had some of the lowest reported cases in the UNC system for the flu," Martin said.

"So far we have reported approximately one to two cases of the flu per week. All of these cases have tested negative for H1N1."

Martin also said that WSSU will observe how other colleges and  universities with a  large number of students  are handling their outbreaks.