H1N1 Flu Info
from the U.S. Dept. of
Health and Human
Services
Columbus State Community College is committed to maintaining a
healthy campus community. To help achieve this goal, we need
student assistance in reducing the impact of both H1N1 and seasonal flu
viruses. Please review the following information.
Columbus State Community College officials are actively monitoring the
H1N1 virus formerly known as the Swine Flu. We are in communication with
officials from Columbus Public Health, monitoring the Center for Disease
Control’s (CDC) site for updates and are watching for any illnesses on
campus. If a case emerges we will communicate with the campus community
and take immediate steps to prevent the further spread of the virus. In
the event of a closure, we will post information to our home page,
http://www.cscc.edu.
When Should I Stay Home?
You should stay home if you are experiencing flu symptoms, as
described in the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website
www.cdc.gov/flu .
How Should I Report that I Am Staying Home With The Flu?
If you are staying out of class because you have flu symptoms, report
your absence to your instructor(s) as indicated on the course syllabus.
Please note that if you have not reported your flu-related absence, you
will be subject to the assignment policy indicated in the syllabus.
What Are My Responsibilities?
Report your absence due to flu symptoms to the instructor(s).
Keep up with assignments and learning activities.
Complete missed work upon return to class at the direction of
the instructor(s).
Keep a copy of your syllabus and other critical course
materials, especially the contact information for the instructor(s).
What Things Can I Do To Prevent the Spread of the Flu?
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after
coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also
effective.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or
sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
If your become ill with flu-like symptoms such as a fever
greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat and cough, please
stay home.
To fight flu outbreak, Columbus State has:
Chartered a Project entitled Influenza Season Coordination
consisting of employees from various departments across campus that
is responsible for developing a Pandemic Plan. The Project Sponsor
is Senior Vice President of Business Administration Services, Terri
Gehr. The Team Leader is John Nestor, Director of Public Safety.
Developed an on-line employee absence tracking tool. Supervisors
enter employee absences and Learning Systems staff enters student
counts so employees and students do not need to self-report. Only
numbers are reported to the Department of Health, not names.
Prepared and distributed syllabus statement advising students of
plans for continuation of teaching and learning during flu season.
Refined business continuity plans for all departments.
Installed alcohol-based hand sanitizers in prominent locations
across campus.
Administered seasonal flu shots on In-Service Day, October 28.
Distributed posters on flu prevention written in English, Somali
and Spanish.
Established a definition of “Essential Employee” to aid in flu
absence planning
The College is currently:
Continuing to monitor the flu situation in order to act
accordingly. Andrew Jarvi, Emergency Management Coordinator, attends
H1N1 update meetings sponsored by Health Department agencies and the
College receives regular briefings from the Ohio Emergency
Management Agency on the status of the flu.
Updating campus about H1N1 vaccination clinics available in
Franklin County.
Cleaning and disinfecting as needed and appropriate.
Purchasing Sani-Guard, a dry disinfecting spray used to clean
computer keyboards.