Commencement is a proud moment for our graduates and their families. This year, the spread of the H1N1 flu virus (also called swine flu) requires that we take appropriate steps to safeguard public health while maintaining an appropriate atmosphere for celebrating their significant accomplishments.

In a statement to the media on Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said officials have learned that the disease currently being caused by this flu virus appears to be similar to that typically caused by seasonal influenza.

Out of an abundance of caution, university officials spoke with the Indiana State Department of Health just this morning for the latest flu-related information. Guidance from both agencies indicates that avoiding handshaking is not necessary as long as other preventative measures are followed.

The CDC recommends taking the following actions to avoid spreading illness or becoming sick:

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including a fever over 100.5 degrees, please avoid large groups of people and public events such as Commencement.
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.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
 

For more information on preventative measures, visit the CDC Web site.

Hand sanitizer will be available for use by ceremony participants — graduates, presenters, and speakers — near the stages at the main Commencement ceremony and individual college ceremonies. We encourage others in attendance to bring their own small bottles of alcohol-based hand sanitizer if they are concerned about the large number of personal contacts.

Sincerely,

Kent Bullis, MD

Medical Director

Amelia T. Wood Health Center

H1N1 (swine flu) facts and information (5/1/2009)

University health officials and the Crisis Management Team are closely monitoring developments of the outbreak. We are coordinating with state and local officials to monitor and minimize the potential impact of a local public health emergency. For up to date information, please visit the CDC Web site. The CDC also provides answers to common questions about H1N1.

Although the swine influenza has not been declared a pandemic, Ball State has well-established plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response.  The plan can be found at www.bsu.edu/fluinfo. Ball State is well-prepared for the contingency of a pandemic.  In addition to providing accurate and official information, we will do everything possible to protect our students, faculty and staff.

The university issued a public health advisory to students, faculty and staff on Monday, April 27, by e-mail to advise the campus community about steps they can take to prevent the spread of the illness.  The advisory was also posted to the campus home page.

What you can do

Currently, the CDC is recommending vigilant basic hygiene: cover your nose and mouth—ideally with a tissue—when you cough or sneeze. Wash hands frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.  It is also recommended that you avoid close contact with people who are ill. If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For students, if you think you have the flu, or if you have flulike symptoms, the best thing you can do is stay home and contact the Health Center or your own medical provider and ask for instructions. The Health Center can be reached at 765-285-8431. The worst thing you could do is attend a class or final if you are truly sick. Alert your professor and ask to be excused. You may need to provide a medical release upon returning.

Almost all H1N1 influenza infections come with a high fever (greater than 100 degrees). Other symptoms include sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache/body aches, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Flu symptoms usually appear 24-48 hours after exposure to the virus and people remain contagious for seven days after the onset of symptoms. Any student, faculty or staff member experiencing a fever over 100 degrees along with other symptoms is strongly encouraged to visit the Ball State Health Center or his or her personal physician.

Emergency warning signs for adults include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical care immediately.

Influenza related communication

Ball State will provide official local information on the university homepage www.bsu.edu, through e-mail communication from University Communications or the Health Center, and through emergency text messaging as needed.

Students who have not already done so are encouraged to sign up for text messaging by going to the Communications Center and clicking on Manage Emergency Notifications.

An evolving situation over a protracted time period such as the current outbreak invites speculation and rumors.  Accurate information is critical to managing a public health emergency effectively.  Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to rely on official communication and avoid spreading unverified rumors.

Managing anxiety

The American Psychological Association (APA) recently posted a new resource on their website entitled "Managing Your Anxiety about Swine Flu." Those interested in information about how to manage elevated anxiety about the illness can visit the APA website at www.apahelpcenter.org.

The Ball State Counseling Center is available, by appointment, on a regular schedule from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 765-285-1736 or 765-747-7330 after hours.

About H1N1 (Swine Flu)

Swine flu as it applies to the current H1N1 is misleading. The H1N1 is a human virus which some have called the swine flu because it appears to be a combination of mutations of genetic material from infections among swine, birds and humans.  According to the Indiana Department of Health, swine flu viruses (different from the current H1N1) do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections did occur at the rate of one case every one to two years prior to 2005. From December 2005 to February 2009, 12 cases of swine flu were reported in humans.

H1N1 (swine flu) cannot be contracted by eating pork.

For more information visit the CDC H1N1 Flu Web site at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.

Kent Bullis, MD
Medical Director
Amelia T. Wood Health Center

Tony Proudfoot
Associate Vice President
Marketing and Communications