September 10, 2009

On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization declared a global H1N1 Influenza pandemic. Public Health officials anticipate the H1N1 virus will circulate in our community this fall and new cases are expected.

With the new academic year about to begin, McMaster continues to implement its H1N1 pandemic preparation plans.

The University’s preparedness plan is based on key themes: education, early identification/ self-screening, and taking necessary precautionary measures. The McMaster Pandemic Influenza Guide contains important information about these plans and can be found online at: http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/h1n1_flu/

McMaster’s flu website also provides:

- Details/samples of the University’s campus-wide education campaign including materials promoting hand hygiene and cough/sneeze etiquette
- A self-screening tool to help members of the community determine next steps should they become ill. Click here to access the self screening tool
- Information on the precautionary measures the University is taking including installing hand sanitizer stations in the main entrance ways of all campus buildings and a proactive cleaning program to sanitize doorknobs, handrails and other surfaces

There are common sense precautions to prevent exposure and spread of influenza, including:

- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds – especially after coughing/sneezing and before/after eating
- Proper use of hand sanitizers gels, rubs and wipes if hand-washing facilities are not readily available
- Keep your hands away from your face, mouth, nose or eyes
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into your sleeve or inner elbow
- Do not share food, beverages or other personal items with others
- Maintain a proper diet and get adequate sleep
- If you become ill and develop a fever and cough, accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms: sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain or weakness stay at home and do not return until your fever is gone, your symptoms have improved and you are feeling better for at least 24 hours

If you have symptoms or have come in contact with someone who is ill, refer to the self-screening tool to determine next steps.

By taking these precautionary measures and by staying informed, the campus community is best prepared for the upcoming flu season.

Additional information is also available by contacting Hamilton Public Health at www.hamilton.ca or calling 905-546-2063 from Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Sincerely

Roger Couldrey
interim vice-president, Administration
McMaster University

Uh Oh...

The tips they give are common sense. You should be practicing those things regardless of whether or not it is flu season.

People are overreacting, as usual.

Why have hand sanitizers not been installed at entrances to buildings yet?

And does anyone know how often door handles/openers are sanitized? Is it part of daily cleaning?

Me and my roomie have a bottle of hand sanitizer on our shelves for use EVERY time we come in and sanitize the doorknob daily...

Originally Posted by Flag

Why have hand sanitizers not been installed at entrances to buildings yet?

And does anyone know how often door handles/openers are sanitized? Is it part of daily cleaning?

Me and my roomie have a bottle of hand sanitizer on our shelves for use EVERY time we come in and sanitize the doorknob daily...

I don't think the handles/openers are sanitized. Generally they are too cold and dry to host bacteria... not sure about viruses though.

I thought this video about the spread of swine flu was pretty cool: http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/20...swinefluvideo/