Parents' Newsletter, Fall 2009
Stanford prepares for flu, asks for parents' help
Dear Stanford Parents and Families:
Like many of you, we have been watching with concern the outbreaks of suspected cases of H1N1 influenza—also known as swine flu—as colleges and universities open across the nation.
Please be assured that Stanford has been planning for a probable fall spread of influenza since the H1N1 virus first surfaced last spring. We need your help as we seek to diminish the spread of this flu and others and as we tend to students who are ill.
If it is possible for an ill student to return home or to go to a local relative, we hope she or he will do so. If that is not possible, we ask that students stay as isolated as possible in their rooms, avoiding gatherings and classes. They should stay isolated until the fever is gone for at least 24 hours without aid of medication.
It is important, as well, that students notify their residential staff and resident fellow of their illness. Through that information, we can direct resources as necessary. Dining Services is prepared to deliver food to ill students, and academic directors are available to discuss missed academic responsibilities.
Most cases of this flu can be managed through self-care. Vaden Health Center is available if your son or daughter becomes particularly concerned or very ill. He or she can call Vaden at (650) 498-2336. We are available to consult about whether or not an appointment is necessary and how symptoms are best managed.
The best method of avoiding the flu remains frequent hand washing and practicing “cough ettiquette,” and we hope you will encourage your son or daughter to do both. Students should also avoid people who are ill and should not share personal items with others. In addition, please encourage them to keep their immune system strong through regular exercise, vitamin-rich foods, sufficient sleep and plenty of fluids.
Every year, the Vaden Health Center offers seasonal flu immunization to members of the Stanford community. Please encourage your son or daughter to be immunized against the seasonal flu. We anticipate also receiving the H1N1 vaccination and will be following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for its distribution. Similarly, we have a limited supply of Tamiflu and will prescribe it using CDC recommendations.
A campus planning group has been meeting to plan for and monitor the H1N1 experience at Stanford. That group has also created contingency plans that can be invoked should H1N1 become more severe. Members are also in close contact with county health agencies, as well as with Stanford Hospital and Clinics. One means for minimizing the impact of an infectious disease outbreak in large populations is through “social distancing.” We are developing and refining our social distancing plans in the unlikely event that should become necessary.
For more information about what Stanford is doing, please visit our website at http://flu.stanford.edu.
Sincerely,
Ira Friedman, M.D.
Director of Vaden Health Center
