2009-09-29 16:38:13.0
MVCC launches flu presentations, influenza hotline
Mohawk Valley Community College has created a flu hotline (315-792-5389, ext. 4555) for students to self-report suspected cases of the flu. The hotline is intended for use only by MVCC students who are ill with symptoms they suspect may be caused by the flu. It will not provide medical advice or diagnosis, and students should not call this number to seek help in a health emergency. To use the self-reporting service, students should call (315) 792-5389, ext. 4555. They will hear a recording and be asked to leave the following information:
* Name
* "M-number" (a unique numerical identifier for students)
* A brief description of symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, 100+ degree fever, aches and pains, or cough/sore throat
* Expected duration of illness-related absence from school
Students should only call the hotline once. If a student chooses to use the hotline to self-report an anticipated absence from class, the college will inform that student's faculty members of the student's identity and expected duration of absence.
This new system is in response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State University of New York System, and local health authorities calling for schools and colleges to track the spread of flu. This system does not diagnose flu cases. College officials will use the hotline to look for large changes in the rate at which illnesses are reported.
As a further step to educate the community about influenza, MVCC has announced a series of seminars, a flu Web site (www.mvcc.edu/h1n1), and other initiatives to share ways people can protect their health this flu season. MVCC is urging people to maintain high standards of personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing; to follow health authorities advice regarding vaccination; and, if sick, to avoid close physical proximity to other people.
"So far this flu season, we are fortunate in that we are not observing large-scale absence from classes or any confirmed cases of H1N1 flu," says Denise DiGiorgio, vice president for student services and dean of students, and the lead architect of MVCC's efforts to slow the spread of influenza. "By launching these new educational and reporting measures now, we hope to help our community stay healthy and well-informed."
MVCC has previously organized mandatory briefings to provide residential students with health tips and flu-related resources; follow-up briefings are available for all interested students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 9:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. in the Utica Campus Theater; Friday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. in the Theater; and Monday, Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. in the Rome Campus Plumley Auditorium.
In early November, MVCC will be the site of a seasonal flu vaccine clinic for students, faculty, and staff. Details of the clinic will be announced on campus in the coming days. Additional public health messages for MVCC students, faculty, and staff, as well as any emergency messages related to the flu, will be online at www.mvcc.edu/h1n1. People affiliated with the college should check the site often for updates.
