Emergency Preparation

The Connecticut State University System (CSUS) has put in place an Emergency Notification System (ENS) developed by MIR3, Inc. at each of its four universities and the System Office to provide notification for when an emergency condition is imminent, or a situation exists that threatens the health and safety of individuals.

Learn more about the Emergency Notification Systems at each University below:

• Central

  
  Central CT State University
  New Britain, CT
  Visit Website
  
  

• Eastern

  
  Eastern CT State University
  Willimantic, CT
  Visit Website
  
  

• Southern

  
  Southern CT State University
  New Haven, CT
  Visit Website
  
  

• Western

  
  Western CT State University
  Danbury, CT
  Visit Website
  
  

H1N1 Flu Advisory

The Connecticut State University System (CSUS) is working closely with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and state and local healthcare and preparedness agencies in the best interest of the health of our university communities at Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities.

CSUS is in regular communication with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, receiving up-to-date information from the department, which is in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services.

A team is in place at each of the universities and the system office to respond to any situation that may develop, and CSUS will continue to work closely with state public health officials to take prompt, appropriate action and share any guidance that is received. The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are paramount, and CSUS encourages everyone to employ common sense and recommended precautions.

Specific information regarding health services is readily available at each of the CSUS universities: Central, Eastern, Southern and Western. In addition, university officials have communicated with students, faculty and staff regarding H1N1, and will continue to keep the university communities apprised of information as events require.

Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu

The flu season is expected to last through the fall and winter. More than one kind of flu virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu. The Connecticut State University System encourages all students, faculty, and staff to follow the CDC strategy to stay healthy. The CDC also recommends that "if possible, residential students with flu-like illness whose families live relatively close to the campus should go home to self-isolate. They should return home in a way that limits contact with others as much as possible. For example, travel by private car or taxi would be preferable over use of public transportation."

In accordance with CDC guidelines, students, faculty and staff living off campus are encouraged to stay at home if they are sick with flu-like illness until they are free of fever for at least 24 hours. The CDC points out that "it will be very hard to tell if someone who is sick has the H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. Public health officials and medical authorities will not be recommending laboratory tests. Anyone who has the symptoms of flu-like illness should stay home."

Vaccinations
Each university is providing specific information regarding H1N1 vaccines, coordinated in Connecticut through the Department of Public Health. Students may contact Health Services at their university for additional information.

Prevention

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends ways you may keep from getting sick with the flu:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water
  especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
  If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick
  for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.
• Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated
  for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu. Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination can be found at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination. Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.
• Frequently clean living quarters
  If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.
• Monitor health by checking for fever
  and know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.

Materials You Can Use

• "Preparing for Pandemic Influenza: Be Aware, Be Prepared" brochure
• "Be Aware, Be Prepared" flyer
• "Stop. Do You Feel Sick?" flyer
• American Red Cross "Home Care for Pandemic Flu" brochure