H1N1 Influenza and OSU Families
Childcare and Family Resources wants all OSU parents to be informed regarding H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) and how it may affect them as OSU Students, Staff and Faculty with children. The following information provides links to many websites that have pertinent information about H1N1.
OSU recognizes that H1N1 Influenza could quickly become a serious issue on campus. OSU wants students, staff and faculty to be informed about H1N1 and the impact it could have on the campus. For this reason two statements from President Ray have been released, "H1N1 Influenza: Be Prepared" and "H1N1 Influenza: Prevention". The OSU Alert System has also released information, "H1N1 Influenza: Keeping OSU Healthy". We encourage parents to read through both of these and be informed about OSU's position on the H1N1 situation.
**If OSU were to close campus due to a serious H1N1 Influenza outbreak, parents should know that the two campus child care centers, Beaver Beginnings and Growing Oaks, would close also.**
**Parents should also know that if there was a serious outbreak at one of the centers, the center may have to close for a period of time if mandated by the Benton County Health Department and Oregon Child Care Division.**
Communication between parents, employers, schools and child care providers is important during this time. Parents need to be in communication with their employers and know what their leave policies are. OSU students, staff and faculty may find information about leave at OSU on our Taking Leave at OSU webpage. Parents should communicate with schools and child care providers and know what their policies are regarding the flu season and illness in general. OSU STUDENT PARENTS should have a discussion with their professors ahead of time, so there is a plan in place if they or their child becomes ill.
Family Connections can be contacted if parents are in need of a back-up child care provider. There are a limited number of providers available for back-up child care, so it is important that parents contact them as soon as they determine that back-up care will be needed. They may be contacted at 541-917-4899.
It is highly recommended that parents do not network with other parents or family members if their child is sick. Parents should remain at home with their child. Networking increases the number of people exposed to H1N1, which then increases the number of people infected.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a brochure: Seasonal and Novel H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents. This brochure answers questions like, "How can I protect my child against flu?", "Is there a vaccine to protect my child from H1N1 flu?", "What should I use for hand washing?", "When can my child go back to school after having the flu?" and much more.
Families are encouraged to plan ahead in case they are hit by the flu. How will they get groceries they need? Is the family stocked up on canned and dry foods? What happens if they rely on public transportation? The following website, http://pandemicflu.gov/individual/, helps families think about scenarios and prepare in advance.
Other websites that may be of interest:
- OSU Student Health Services, http://studenthealth.oregonstate.edu/swineflu
- Benton County Health Department, http://www.co.benton.or.us/health/publichealth/index.php
- CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
We wish all OSU families the best and hope that as a campus we remain healthy and illness is minimal for all.
