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Doing this might get your H1N1...

In an email just sent out to the RPI Community, Dr. Lawrence of the Student Health Center has announced that RPI has more active cases of H1N1 than it has had at any point so far this season.  Seven of the students are being isolated on campus.  The Health Center recommends that students refrain from drinking games to halt the spread of the virus.  The full text is below.

Don't get yourself into one of these!

To:     The Rensselaer Community
From:   Leslie Lawrence, M.D.
Medical Director, Student Health Center,
Re:     H1N1 Update
Daet:   Oct. 9, 2009

As of October 8, we have experienced 21 cases of influenza among our
students on the Troy campus. Currently, we have our largest number of
sick students at one time, with 14 students with active cases of the
illness. Seven are in isolation rooms and seven are recuperating at home
with their families. In addition, there have been reportsof several

faculty and staff with influenza-like illness.

Our caseload is still low, but it is steadily growing. It is important
to note that we have linked several of the cases to specific social
events on campus, such as football games and weekend parties. Please,
especially during such events, remember to continue to wash your hands,
avoid close contact with others, and NEVER share cups or utensils.
Remember, you can get the flu from someone who does not yet appear to be
ill.

Unfortunately, some of our current cases were apparently contracted
during a weekend drinking game. Do not share drinks. Alcohol does not
kill the virus or prevent its spread from person to person. While it
might seem fun over the weekend, it will not be enjoyable when you and
your friends are sick and missing class or midterm examinations.

Our ability to control the spread of the flu is up to you. There are
students, faculty, and staff on this campus with real and serious health
issues that could put them at severe risk of complications should they
become ill with the flu. Please continue to practice good hygiene, keep
your rooms and bathrooms clean, and avoid class or social activities if
you are sick.

We continue to strongly recommend that any ill student should either go
home for care if possible or move temporarily to an isolation room. I
have heard that some students do not want to come to the Health Center
because they do not want to go to an isolation room. Isolation is the
best possible way to prevent the spread of the virus and is, in my
opinion, one of the reasons that we have been able to slow the spread of
the illness as compared with many other universities. It is also the
best way to keep track of our students’ health. Most cases remain mild,
but at least two of our students have had varying levels of unforeseen
complications that we have been able to quickly address because of our
regular contact with them. Our isolation rooms are brand-new single
rooms with full-sized beds, their own bathrooms, and food service right
to the door. Bringing laptops, books, homework and other things is
encouraged. In addition, being in isolation is also important
information for students’ professors to verify the reason they are
unable to attend class.

There was a strong response to our seasonal flu vaccination clinics, so
much so that we are currently out of seasonal flu vaccines. More are
expected soon, but likely not until the H1N1 vaccines are distributed.
But, please be aware that the seasonal flu is not currently circulating
in the United States. H1N1 is the main flu spreading in this area and
across the U.S.

We still expect H1N1 vaccinations in the next week or two weeks. I will
be in touch with additional information as soon as possible.

As always, your best protections against the flu include:

* Washing your hands often, especially after shaking hands with others
(hand disinfectants may be used if there is no access to soap and
water);

* Avoiding close contact with people who are sick;

* Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing;

* Covering your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow if you do
not have a tissue;

* Not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially after contact
with others; and

* Keeping a three-foot [one-meter] distance between yourself and
anyone who is ill.

Please take care.

Leslie Lawrence, M.D.
Medical Director, Student Health Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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