Read more: State
CANTON, Mo. - Culver-Stockton College has put into place an action plan in
preparation for any occurrence of the H1N1 virus on campus.
Dean of Student Life Wendy Powers said the college has been collaborating
with the Lewis County Health Department to develop a workable plan for the
campus that will limit the spread of any flu virus on campus. There are
currently no cases of anyone in the college community with flu-like
symptoms.
"After researching current trends and meeting with the health department, we
have decided not to test persons with flu-like symptoms for the specific
H1N1 virus but to treat any flu symptoms as if they are due to H1N1," Powers
said. "Testing for the specific virus is extremely cost prohibitive, and
the health department recommends that we use the precaution of treating all
flu symptoms the same in order to contain the virus."
Powers said all cases of flu-like symptoms will be reported to the county
health department and that the college community, local community and
parents will be kept informed.
"Preparation, education, and prevention are our best weapons against the
flu," she added.
Powers noted that wall-mounted hand sanitizers have been placed in every
campus building and disposable hand sanitizer bottles are being placed in
public areas such as the dining hall, library, and classrooms. Chlorine
bleach wipes will be made available in computer labs and other high-touch
areas. In addition, staff from Dining Services and Physical Facilities are
receiving additional training in enhanced cleaning methods, and residence
hall staff are being trained in how to recognize and report flu symptoms.
Working with the health department, Culver-Stockton will make seasonal
vaccinations available on campus and will recommend that at-risk students
receive the two-dose series of H1N1 vaccines in a physician's office or at
the health department.
"We've been advised that by the time one roommate exhibits flu symptoms, the
other roommate(s) have probably been exposed; so we are not planning to
isolate all students who become ill," Powers said. "However, we will
provide temporary relocation options for students when necessary; and we
will ask students from the immediate area to go home if they are ill."
More detailed information about Culver-Stockton's preparation for the flu
season and updates on its flu status are posted at www.culver.edu/flu.
