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Kean University personnel have been working over the summer to prepare the institution for response to an outbreak of the H1N1 flu virus during the upcoming academic year.  Predictions regarding the scope of a possible outbreak vary widely, but the concern is very real. The U.S. Air Force Academy recently quarantined roughly 10% of their cadets who had contracted the virus during summer training.  245 of the 1400 cadets were isolated at one time or another during the response.  As you are aware, Kean University has a mix of commuter and resident students which requires us to plan and react in a different manner.

 We realize that many individual faculty and several departments have very strict attendance policies. However, given the nature of this virus, we strongly encourage faculty to follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines which recommend that individuals who experience flu-like symptoms should stay home from class. Below is a draft of language to either include in your syllabi or distribute as an addendum.

 Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Office of Academic Affairs.

Thank You.

Kenneth B. Sanders, Ed.D.

Associate Provost

Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs

Kean University

103 Kean Hall

Union, NJ 07083

908-737-7033 (o)

908-737-7035 (f)

kesander@kean.edu

                                             ++++SYLLABUS INSERT++++

Personal Health & Safety

 The CDC has reported it expects an increase in cases of H1N1 (flu) for this coming fall. While this may or may not happen, to be prepared and have minimal impact on your classroom studies, we are asking that if you have a fever over 100', a sore throat and cough at any time during the semester - PLEASE STAY HOME from class.

 In order to avoid an academic penalty, you must alert this professor immediately before class of your absence and request any missed class materials and assignments. All assignments will only be obtained upon email request. 

 If you require medical attention see your primary care provider and/or Kean University Health Services located in Downs Hall.

 Proactive things you can do to prevent you, your dorm-mates and/or your family from getting ill....

- Vaccination is the single best way to prevent flu

   + Get Vaccinated for Seasonal Flu

   + Get Vaccinated for H1N1 (series of two shots given within 3 weeks)

- Stay home when you are sick

- Wash your hands often with plain soap and water.

- When hand washing is not possible, use of a hand sanitizer gel with 60% alcohol is recommended

- If you have to use an alcohol sanitizing gel, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as practicable after using the hand sanitizer.

- Social distancing (where possible) of 6 feet or more

- DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS when sneezing or coughing. Cover the almost invisible droplets by coughing or sneezing into your elbow or arm

- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth

- Limit use of over the counter disinfectants when cleaning...Use steam sanitizing where possible 

* Because hand sanitizers are alcohol based, excessive use can dry out the skin and possibly contribute to dermatitis especially in the cold, dry months of the year.

  Some hand sanitizers may contain pesticides. Read labels carefully.