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H1N1 Virus Update to Northeastern Community
Updated 4:00pm  6/24/09

New Student Orientation began on Monday, June 22. This is a wonderful time for our community to welcome its newest members over a two-day program which introduces first-year students to their new surroundings. Weekly sessions will run through the end of August.

This is also a time of large crowds and additional visitors to our campus. In recent days, we have been reminded by the World Health Organization and the Boston Public Health Commission that the H1N1 virus is still very much an active health alert. While most cases of H1N1 in Boston and nationwide have been relatively mild, recent news also demonstrates how serious influenza can be. This is a good time to reinforce the preventive measures we all need to take to minimize the risk of infection. H1N1 prevention and information sheets are available to download in side bar to the right.

Additionally, our website will continue to be the source of current and accurate information on prevention, symptoms and community updates on H1N1.

Public Health Alert-H1N1 Virus Information
Updated 5:00pm 6/11/09

Today the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the H1N1 virus has reached a pandemic level.  This announcement is not a report of the severity of the H1N1 virus but more a report on how it has spread geographically.  Specifically, the number of cases of the virus and its presence on all continents except Antarctica now fits the WHO definition of a pandemic disease. In light of the ease of human to human transmission this announcement is neither unexpected nor surprising. For more information about what the pandemic level means visit the WHO website.

In regard to the severity of the disease, WHO has stated that the “pandemic announcement would not mean the situation was worsening, since no mutations have been detected in the virus to show its getting more deadly”. From our own experience in Boston and the rest of the country, the H1N1 virus remains a fairly mild form of influenza with typical symptoms consisting of three to five days of fever, body aches, sore throat and cough.   Thankfully, the number of serious or fatal cases so far has been less than a typical seasonal flu and all of these cases have been in patients with significant underlying illness.

H1N1 virus is spread from human to human the same way the seasonal flu spreads. When an infected person sneezes or coughs droplets travel in the air. Someone can become infected by these droplets if they touch something the virus is on and then touch their mouth or nose. H1N1 is not spread through food, water, or recreational water areas (e.g. pools, spas).

In spite of the fact the H1N1 virus has so far been mild it is in all our best interests to try to limit its spread and thus reduce the suffering and lost productivity associated with infection. For these reasons and to protect those among us at risk due to underlying disease, it is important that all of us at Northeastern continue to practice steps to protect ourselves and stay healthy.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water especially after sneezing and coughing. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Do not go to work or school if sick. It is recommended that you stay at home for 7 days after you first get sick or for 24 hours after your symptoms have gone away, whichever is longer. Try to limit contact with others to keep from getting them sick.

UHCS providers are monitoring all students who come into the health center with flu-like illness symptoms per guidelines set by the Boston Public Health Commission and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  We will keep our campus community updated on the latest developments in the H1N1 pandemic.

Public Health Alert- H1N1 Influenza Information
Updated 5:00pm 6/03/09

We continue to care for students presenting with flu-like symptoms at UHCS in accordance with public health recommendations. One Northeastern student was tested for H1N1 virus at a local hospital last week. The student was treated, recuperated off-campus, and was feeling much better within a day. The state lab confirmed today that the test was positive for H1N1 virus. The risk of transmission is very low because appropriate precautions were followed.

It is important that everyone continue to take steps to protect themselves.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your inner elbow when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water epsecially after sneezing and coughing. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• Do not go to work or school if sick. It is recommended that you stay at home for 7 days after you first get sick or for 24 hours after your symptoms have gone away, whichever is longer. Try to limit contact with others to keep from getting them sick.

Public Health Alert- H1N1 Influenza Information
Updated 5:00pm 5/28/09 

It has been roughly a month since the emergence of the H1N1 virus which makes this a good time to refresh the preventative measures we all need to continue to take as the virus is still active.

If you become sick with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, it is imperative that you stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. You should stay home from work and school for 7 days, or 24 hours after your symptoms go away—whichever is longer.  Avoiding contact with others if you are sick is one of the preventative measures we can all do in order to limit further spread of the virus.

It is important to continue to practice the simple steps to keeping you and others healthy as well. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer as well as cover your cough with a tissue or cough into your inner elbow and not into your hands.

Public Health Alert- H1N1 Influenza Information
Updated 5:00pm 5/19/09 

As you may be aware, Boston Latin and two other local Massachusetts schools have closed for seven days after a number of students fell ill in what public health officials have described as suspected clusters of H1N1 or seasonal flu.  We are actively monitoring the situation and on alert for any severe illness or clusters of illness.  We have not seen a confirmed case of H1N1 flu at Northeastern and we are not seeing any cases that we would consider testing for H1N1 at this time. 

What we know about this flu is that it is behaving very much like a seasonal flu and is mild.  It is infecting children under 18 years old more frequently than any other group.  So it is not surprising that some secondary schools are seeing a larger impact.

Public health officials and UHCS continue to recommend that everyone practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently and if you are sick, stay home for a full seven (7) days. 

Public Health Alert- H1N1 Influenza Information
Updated 5:00pm 5/8/09     

While more confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza in Massachusetts are announced daily, we would like everyone to know that Northeastern University has no reported confirmed cases of the H1N1 Influenza as of today.  Northeastern University will keep everyone in our community up to date on possible exposure when applicable.

Health officials continue to send the strong message to keep taking simple steps to keep yourself and others healthy. Wash your hands frequently, cover your cough with a tissue-not into your hands, and if you are sick stay home from work.  For an instructional video on handwashing, click here.                                                                         

                                                                                 Public Health Alert- H1N1 Influenza Information                   Updated 4:00pm 5/6/09

Public Health Alert- H1N1 Flu Information                             Updated 5:00pm 5/4/09

The H1N1 Flu, also known as swine flu, continues to be an evolving situation. The image above links you to the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.  UHCS continues to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Boston Public Health Commission and has implemented guidelines for testing, treatment and prevention.                 

We have added some flyers on Healthy Habits from the CDC to the side bar that departments can print and use throughout their offices.

Public Health Alert-H1N1 Flu Information                         Updated 3:30pm 5/1/09

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued instructions for patients who have a suspected, probable or confirmed case of Influenza.  This document answers some frequently asked questions and explains what measures should be taken during home isolation to keep you and close contacts from spreading the virus.               Home Isolation for Suspected, Probable or Confirmed Cases

Public Health Alert--H1N1 Flu Information
Updated 5:32 P.M. 4/30/09

To all faculty and staff:

We are writing to update you regarding the recent outbreak of H1N1, also known as swine flu. As you may know, public health officials have now confirmed two cases of swine flu in Massachusetts. Although there are no confirmed cases connected to Northeastern, the University is working closely with health experts to monitor all information related to the outbreak and to implement the recommendations for prevention, testing, and treatment.

We urge all members of our community to practice good hygiene, including constant hand washing and sanitizing, and to avoid contact with sick people. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the regular seasonal influenza, which include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, and other symptoms. Faculty and staff who are experiencing these symptoms should stay home from work and seek care through their primary care physician.

The University has decided to take some prudent precautions at tomorrow's commencement to minimize direct contact between graduates and participants. These include the availability of hand-sanitizer at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies, and forgoing the traditional congratulatory handshake when graduates receive their diplomas. We are also encouraging any participant who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms not to attend the ceremony out of respect for the health of others.

Information related to swine flu and the practice of good hygiene has been posted in the residence halls and may be found here, on the UHCS homepage. The University has contacted those students who are likely travelers during the semester break advising of swine flu risks and precautions that can be taken.

We recommend consulting Centers for Disease Control web site regarding spread of the flu: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

For updates on the University's response to this outbreak, please monitor this webpage.

Public Health Alert--H1N1 Flu Information
Updated 5:30 P.M. 4/30/09

To all graduating students:

As we prepare for your commencement ceremony tomorrow, we would like to communicate some helpful information concerning the current swine flu outbreak. Although there are no confirmed cases of swine flu connected to Northeastern, we have decided to take some precautions at commencement because it is such a large gathering of people -- many of whom are traveling from different locations to attend.

First, we will have hand sanitizer available at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies. Feel free to use this as needed, particularly before and after you have direct contact with others.

Second, we ask that people respect the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control regarding spread of the flu: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu. For example, if you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms we request that you not attend the ceremony. We ask this out of respect for the health of others attending.

Third, since direct contact is one of the ways flu viruses spread, we have decided to forgo the traditional congratulatory handshake as you come forward to receive your diploma and have your photo taken with your dean.

While we are taking what we believe to be appropriate precautions, these steps do not diminish the excitement of this occasion or the tremendous accomplishments you have achieved as students. The university's faculty and staff look forward to celebrating with you tomorrow.

Public Health Alert--H1N1 Flu Information
Updated 1:00 P.M. 4/30/09

As you may be aware by now, the CDC has confirmed a growing number of H1N1 (swine) flu cases in humans in the U.S.  The Department of Public Health(DPH) in Massachusetts  and Boston Public Health Commission are increasing their surveillance activities and monitoring cases closely.

Northeastern and staff from UHCS are working together with DPH and the Boston Public Health Commission and have implemented the recommendations for prevention, testing, and treatment guidelines. The most important message currently is to practice good hygiene with washing hands and to avoid contact with sick people.

Click on links below for More Information                              H1N1 Flu Prevention Information                                H1N1 Flu Fact Sheet                                                                            Department of Public Health                                                            Boston Public Health Commission

Travel Information--At this time, CDC recommend that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes to this recommendation will be posted at www.who.int or www.cdc.gov/travel 

MUMPS---Campus Health Alert                                                        Please click on the link below for more information http://www.northeastern.edu/emergency/
For more information regarding Mumps please view the following Public Health Fact Sheet developed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Mumps Fact Sheet

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