For the past several months, the College's senior leadership and Crisis Management Team have been meeting to prepare for a possible outbreak of the H1N1. This planning has included closely monitoring directives from the Minnesota Health Department (MHD) and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). While it's impossible to know what the impact will be, if any, we do know that a pandemic could present serious challenges to the college.

For a detailed description of what Dunwoody is doing to prepare, view our Pandemic Influenza Plan (PDF file).

For the most up-to-date information
The most current information regarding Dunwoody and H1N1 will be posted here on this page.

Additional information will also be available by following the college’s Twitter feed:

twitter.com/dunwoodycollege

Or by calling the Dunwooody Information telephone line:

(612) 381-3420

Prevention
Dunwoody is at somewhat of a reduced risk from other colleges because we are not a residential campus.  Still, because of the H1N1’s highly communicable nature, it is essential that each and every one of us do all we can to prevent the flu from spreading.  Part of our preparation includes:

• A revised cleaning protocol that includes more frequent cleaning of handrails, restrooms and other public spaces
• Increasing the amount of fresh outdoor air coming into our buildings through modified air handling and ventilation procedures 
• Placing a supply of sanitizing hand wipes in key areas throughout campus
• Providing each faculty and staff member with a supply of sanitizing cleaning wipes to clean their telephones, keyboards desks and common tables

Flu shots
As in past years, Dunwoody will provide seasonal flu shots at a special on-campus clinic on Wednesday, October 14.  These vaccinations are free for employees who are covered by Dunwoody medical insurance and $24.99 for those not covered by a Dunwoody plan.  However, it is important to note that these shots will vaccinate you only for the seasonal flu – not the H1N1.  You must work with your own healthcare provider or other source to obtain the H1N1 shots – and we strongly encourage you to do so. 

Reducing the spread of the virus
Despite our best efforts to prevent the virus from reaching Dunwoody, there is still a strong likelihood that both the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 will arrive on campus.  In that case, we need to do everything possible to reduce its spread.  Health experts agree on the following measures:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, then cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder and not into your hands.

If you become ill, stay home until you are no longer contagious.

Be aware of the symptoms
It’s important that everyone understands flu symptoms:

• Fever (above 100F)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• In some cases, diarrhea  and vomiting

Also, remember that you must be fever-free for 24 hours – without aid of fever-reducers – before returning to work.  More information about symptoms and other preventive measures can be found at the following websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Minnesota Department of Health

Have additional questions?
Contact Jeff Chase at (612) 381-3329 or jchase@dunwoody.edu