Legal Commentary

H1N1 Preparedness

By Professor University of Miami School of Law

Universities, like schools, are ground zero for flu epidemics, so I'm glad to see that the U is taking reasonable steps.

Dear Faculty:

With the fall semester ready to begin, we would like to update you about H1N1 influenza and the university's preparation for the upcoming semester. The university's H1N1 decision team has met on a regular basis during the summer and has remained in close contact with the local and state health departments in preparation for the possibility of an increase in cases when school begins.

Over the last several weeks, H1N1 flu has occurred in the South Florida area and at the University of Miami, mostly among children and young adults. The majority of cases have been mild to moderate in severity, and many have not required medical care for diagnosis or treatment.  Individuals with influenza-like illnesses (defined by the Florida Department of Health as fever, temperature of 100°F [37.8°C] or greater and cough and/or a sore throat) are advised to remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever, which is 3 to 5 days in most cases. This guidance does not apply to health care settings where the exclusion period should be continued for 7 days from symptom onset or until the resolution of symptoms, whichever is longer.   

Household members and other close contacts have been urged to follow these same recommendations if symptoms develop, and to seek information about medical care and isolation from the Student Health Service or other medical providers. Classes and activities have not been cancelled and services have not been interrupted. Students have received periodic updates via Ibis News, and new students and their parents will receive additional information during orientation sessions. 

As long as cases continue in our community, students with symptoms of an influenza-like illness will be advised to self isolate according to the CDC guidelines.  Currently, students are being asked to contact the Student Health Service for medical advice. If cases become more common, those with severe symptoms or with underlying health conditions will be asked to contact the Student Health Service or other medical providers, however others may self diagnose and require no specific treatment.  In the event of a widespread outbreak self reporting may be the predominant form of notification and not all students will have documentation of their illness.  Students who are unable to attend class will be asked to contact faculty or their designee via e-mail.  Faculty may choose to establish an alternative method of communication, and if so, should advise their students at the start to the semester.

Faculty with flu symptoms should seek medical advice and treatment from their own health care providers, adhere to CDC self isolation recommendations, and abide by recommendations of the Employee Health Office and Human Resources.

It is predicted that most cases of H1N1 flu will be mild to moderate in severity and self-limited; however, more severe cases may occur.  In order to minimize the impact of this situation on our community, we encourage you to refer to the information on the CDC, Miami-Dade County Health Department and Student Health Service websites and abide by appropriate recommendations.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to e-mail studenthealth@miami.edu or call (305) 284-5921.  We wish everyone a healthy and productive semester.

Sincerely,

Howard Anapol, M.D., Director, Student Health Service
William S. Green, Senior Vice Provost and Vice President for Student Affairs
Patricia A. Whitely, Dean for Undergraduate Education

I'll have to emphasize to the 1Ls that they really should stay home if they have a fever.

Full post as published by Discourse.net on August 17, 2009 (boomark / email).