As we prepare for the start of another academic year at Bastyr University, we want to share the latest information on the H1N1 flu virus and how the University and our teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health are preparing for it. Essential to our efforts is ensuring that everyone follows appropriate preventative measures to minimize the impact H1N1 flu will have on our Kenmore campus and Seattle clinic communities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has predicted an increase in influenza activity this fall because of the current H1N1 outbreak. Bastyr University has plans in place to minimize the impact on faculty, staff, students and operations in case of an outbreak on either of our campuses. We are closely monitoring flu conditions at local, regional and national levels to better enable us to make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. We will do everything we can to keep the University and the clinic operating as usual. However, we need your support to accomplish this.

Here are some recommendations that Jamey Wallace, ND, Medical Director at Bastyr Center for Natural Health made to the Bastyr community to help prevent the spread of H1N1:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard the tissue after it has been used. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A number of people who have been infected with the H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
• Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius or greater) or signs of a fever (chills, feel warm to the touch, flushed appearance or sweating).
• Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, a conversation with your healthcare provider will better enable you to make an educated decision about getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. For information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Daniel K. Church, PhD

Bastyr University President