Montclair State University

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway. WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic level is a reflection of the spread of the virus throughout the world, not the severity of illness caused by the virus. In the United States, most people who have become ill with the newly declared pandemic virus have recovered without requiring medical treatment.

In New Jersey, there is an increased prevalence of influenza like illness within many communities however the rates are still relatively low. Montclair State University has continued to monitor the situation and implement all of the strategies for higher education institutions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New Jersey State Department of Health and Senior Services. Additionally, the University Health Center is prepared to screen, treat, and track patients with flu-like symptoms and is working collaboratively with state and local health officials to monitor the status of the H1N1 virus in New Jersey.

In an effort to keep our campus community healthy, it is important that everyone continue to practice proper flu prevention techniques such as these:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners containing at least 60% alcohol are also effective against the spread of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick.  Limit contact with others for seven days or until your symptoms subside to keep from infecting them.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms, call your private healthcare provider or the University Health Center at 973-655-4361 for instructions.

More information as well as daily updates on the status of the H1N1 flu may be found on the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

The CDC also provides the following Web resources:

• General Information: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_infor.htm.
• What You Can Do to Stay Healthy: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/#stay_healthy.
• Alert for Institutions of Higher Education: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/college-alert.htm.
• What’s New:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1/whatsnew.htm.

Information about the H1N1 flu and protective measures can also be found at the University Health Center Web site at www.montclair.edu/health/hc/.

Questions can be sent to askanurse@mail.montclair.edu.

We will update this message in the event of important new developments. Those wishing to find daily updates should visit the CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.