October 30, 2009 Update

Recently, Marian University and other colleges and universities in Indianapolis were informed by the Marion County Health Department that we would not receive H1N1 flu vaccine. The distribution plans for the vaccine within Marion County changes on a daily basis, and the best source of information remains the U.S. Health and Human Services web site www.flu.gov. You can also check the Marion County Health Department web site at www.mchd.com/H1N1/H1N1_info.htm for local information.

The flu is working its way through campus and we have seen an increased number of students who are reporting to the health center. Students with symptoms are being sent home or quarantined on campus. Ill students who must stay on campus are expected to rest and avoid contact with others. Students are asked to contact the health center or personal physician if they have any questions or changes in symptoms. Students can request sick trays to be delivered to their room. Hall mates and Resident Assistants are assisting with this process. The majority of the cases we have seen on campus have lasted a few days to a week, followed by students returning to normal activity. The Registrar is contacting faculty and advisors of students identified as having Influenza A (which we are treating as H1N1). Everyone on campus should continue to emphasize good hand hygiene (frequent hand-washing and sanitizer use) and respiratory etiquette (use a tissue, sneeze into the crook of your elbow or shoulder, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth). If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home—do not go to class or work.

September 3, 2009 Update

On September 2, a student reported to health services with flu-like symptoms and tested positive for Influenza A. In accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, we are treating Influenza A as H1N1 as a precautionary measure.

We have taken the following actions: 

• The student is going home to recuperate and will not return to campus until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit without the use of fever-reducing medications. 
• Those with whom the student has had contact will be notified to watch for symptoms.

Please wash your hands frequently, avoid shaking hands if possible, use hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes, and cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or face into the crook of your arm when you cough or sneeze.

H1N1 (Swine) Flu

The World Health Organization has raised the swine flu alert to its highest level, saying the H1N1 virus has spread to enough countries to be considered a global pandemic. Increasing the alert to Phase 6 does not mean that the disease is deadlier or more dangerous than before, but instead indicates that it has spread worldwide. The H1N1 virus causing the influenza is a new strain that consists of a mixture of genetic material from swine, avian, and human influenza viruses.

Marian University is closely monitoring developments of the outbreak of the swine influenza. The university coordinates with state and local officials to monitor and minimize the impact of a public health emergency.

This site will be updated as more information becomes available.