With the semester in progress, it’s important that St. Louis College of Pharmacy students, faculty and staff have up-to-date information about the H1N1 flu. Unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 is a novel virus, and we have little or no immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that 40 percent of the nation’s population will become sick with H1N1 over the next two years. This Web site offers resources and information to help you prepare and prevent the spread of the virus.

The symptoms of H1N1 include fever (above 100º F), cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting. It is spread when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, and you come in contact with these airborne particles. It also may be contracted by touching something with flu viruses on it, then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

If employees or students have been diagnosed with H1N1 or have multiple symptoms, including a fever, please notify the deans' office at 314.446.8342. Students, faculty and staff should follow CDC guidelines, which recommend that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

More information on the H1N1 virus can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Missouri Department of Health Web sites. Download flu-related podcasts from the CDC here.

STLCOP Updates

Sept. 3, 2009 -  Cases of H1N1 Flu Confirmed at STLCOP and Other Area Universities
On Sept. 3, two St. Louis College of Pharmacy students were diagnosed with H1N1 flu. The campus community has been notified and encouraged to adhere to hygienic practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/).

The students visited Saint Louis University’s student health clinic with typical flu-like symptoms; they were treated and will recover at home.

Judging from the rapid pace of transmission of the flu throughout the nation and in other higher education institutions in both Missouri and Illinois, this probably won’t be STLCOP’s last case.

The College has developed a H1N1 flu policy; it includes information on the temporary reassignment of students with H1N1 who live in Residence Hall. Flyers with hygiene tips have been posted around campus. Last week, hand sanitizers were installed in buildings around campus. Additional strategies may be designed and implemented, if necessary.