As a Wayne State employee, you are an important partner in our efforts to address the challenges that may be posed by the H1N1 virus. Many colleges and universities across the country are already seeing the re-emergence of the virus with high rates of infection.

The good news is that most people who have been sick have recovered without medical treatment. However, as with any influenza, there are reports of hospitalizations and even some deaths from H1N1.

As the season unfolds, we want to share important guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help keep you healthy. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective
• If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu.
• Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/
• Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
  

As in previous years, Wayne State’s Human Resources Division will offer fall flu clinics across campus. Look for subsequent emails on dates and locations for these clinics.

Wayne State University is committed to the safety and security of our employees, students and community members. We continually plan for issues or concerns; such as an H1N1 outbreak or other emergencies. We encourage the campus community to make preparations for their personal safety.

To that end, I have attached a link to a checklist which will help you plan for your personal and families’ safety. Also included on this sheet is a variety of resources available for preparedness. Second, I have included a link to a CDC publication which answers questions on the H1N1 influenza.

Finally, a Web site has been created specifically for the Wayne State community which can be found at http://fluinfo.wayne.edu. We will post relevant information and resources on this site to keep you well-informed and updated as we move into flu season.

1. Checklist and Resource List for emergency preparedness for WSU employees:
   http://fluinfo.wayne.edu/pdf/faculty_and_staff_preparedness_checklist_and_resources.doc
2. CDC Publication “Information about the Flu for People with Certain Medical Conditions”:
   http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/flugallery/2009-10/pdf/certain_medical.pdf
3. Information on WSU response to the flu:
   http://fluinfo.wayne.edu
   

I hope that you and your family stay healthy during this flu season.

Thank you.

Mark Ankenbauer
Associate Vice President for Human Resources