H1N1 Virus Information

Dear Faculty and Staff:

It is good to have the year underway and thank you for all the work you have done to get our campus ready! One of the many questions this year is about the H1N1 virus and what it will mean for Hope College. At the end of the 2008-2009 academic year we had a number of students who tested positive for H1N1, so we do have some experience with the illness.

Since last spring, College staff members from the Health Clinic and Student Development have been working with Ottawa County Public Health to understand and prepare for what may occur this fall. Throughout the summer the information and recommendations for H1N1 have been revised several times and we are sure this will continue as we move into the fall semester. The most important thing for all of our health is to follow good health practices to minimize our risks in what could be a very active flu season.

The following information has been sent or is available to students:

1. Letter regarding H1N1 sent to students and parents
2. “Dodge the Flu” tips
3. Hope College Illness Guidelines
4. Hope’s H1N1 website – contains valuable information for anyone with questions about H1N1
5. Key websites – www.cdc.gov, www.who.int, and www.co.ottawa.mi.us
   

While this information is directed primarily toward students, it is good health information for all of us to know and follow. With the very real possibility of some of us becoming ill, we would encourage each of you to think of how you can keep yourself healthy and review the sick leave policies in your staff handbok. If you are sick it is important that you check with your personal physician and follow their guidelines. Coming to work sick is not good for you, your fellow workers, or the students. Supervisors are being asked to have you return home if you arrive to work sick. We also strongly encourage you to get a seasonal flu shot as they become available. It is also important to remember that flexibility in your work schedule might become necessary should an outbreak occur.

Thank you for your attention to this very important issue. We will keep you informed during the year if and when we experience outbreaks of the flu. Best wishes for a healthy year.

Richard A. Frost
Vice President and Dean of Students