HINI Influenza guidelines for Evangel University students
Updated September 18, 2009
Novel H1N1 Influenza is the result of a new virus that is causing illness around the world. With the start of the new school year, cases of H1N1 flu have been diagnosed on many college campuses. Similar to infection patterns at other Springfield campuses and in the local community, we are beginning to see our first cases of influenza at Evangel University. Our first confirmed case of influenza was identified on September 16, 2009. We expect that more cases of the flu (both H1N1 and seasonal flu) will develop on campus in the next several days and weeks. We are monitoring the situation closely and will be providing updates as information becomes available.
Fortunately, most cases of this flu have been relatively mild, and at this point, H1N1 flu does not appear to be more severe than the regular seasonal flu that occurs each year during the winter months. The important difference is that because this is a new virus to which most people under age 60 have no immunity, it is contagious and is easily spread from person to person. Older people may have had exposure to other viruses that have been in some ways similar to the H1N1 virus and may be less at risk of becoming ill. This new strain of flu has been found more frequently in children and young adults under the age of 24.
At Evangel, we have worked closely with public health officials at the Springfield-Greene County Health Department to develop a plan to respond to H1N1 Influenza and regular seasonal flu. Our plan is based on the latest guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC along with state and local health departments are continually monitoring the spread of the flu, the severity of illness it is causing, and changes to the virus. If the situation becomes more serious, they will make additional recommendations for us to follow. We will be monitoring and updating our campus plan as needed throughout the flu season.