Old Dominion University Health Alerts
This site contains the latest information, guidelines and recommendations for the Old Dominion University community in regard to the H1N1 influenza. In addition to regularly monitoring this site, campus community members are urged to register for the ODU Alerts emergency communications system, if you are not already a registered user.
Update and Precautions for H1N1 Influenza
Student Health Services at Old Dominion University reminds the campus community that the new H1N1 influenza virus is still circulating in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Health indicates that the H1N1 "flu" is now the predominant strain found in all regions of Virginia.
Although the virus has remained fairly stable and its symptoms have been consistent thus far with seasonal flu, U.S. health officials remain concerned that it could become more virulent when the country's normal flu season begins in the fall.
Old Dominion University does have an emergency operations plan that includes protocol for responding to communicable disease outbreaks. The university has supplies and trained personnel on campus. As with any public health issue, the university is following the guidelines and advice provided by the CDC and the Virginia Department of Health. ODU health officials continue to be in regular contact with both groups.
The Student Health Services center has provided information for students and parents regarding the novel H1N1 (swine) flu virus.
Click here for FAQ information for faculty and staff.
Click here to read the information available for students.
Click here to read the information available for parents.
Click here to read the latest information available regarding flu shots.
Click here to read the letter sent to students on Aug. 31.
All members of the university community are urged to take the following safety precautions:
Stay Informed
• The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering real-time information regarding outbreaks and new directives at http://www.vdh.state.va.us/ and has a call center available (877-275-8343).
• The CDC has an informational site about H1N1 influenza at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
• Monitor the ODU web site http://www.odu.edu for additional updates and information specific to the Old Dominion University community.
Take Action
• Faculty, staff and students should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others if you develop any fever or flu-like symptoms. CDC guidelines call for staying home until at least 24 hours after one is free of fever or signs of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Students living on campus and/or students with chronic medical conditions who develop fever and flu-like symptoms should call Student Health Services (683-3132) for further instructions. After hours, contact the on-call clinician through ODU Public Safety at 683-4000.
• Faculty and staff who develop fever and flu-like symptoms and who are at high risk of complications from H1N1 flu due to chronic medical conditions should seek medical care by calling their health care providers for further instructions. Seek emergency care if severe symptoms develop.
• For the most recent CDC guidelines on what to do if you get sick, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm#4.
Practice Good Hygiene
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since germs spread that way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
Published on: May 1, 2009
