Wednesday, February 2, 2011

School Closing 2/3/11

Due the inclement weather, Olivet business offices will be closed and all classes are cancelled through Thursday, February 3.

Students should check their Olivet e-mail for a message from Nancy Bretzlaff containing details about abbreviated campus dining hours and information on other student services.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

School Closing 2/1/11

Due the inclement weather, Olivet’s business offices will be closing at 3 p.m. today (2/1/11) and will remain closed throughout Wednesday (2/2/11). All classes will be cancelled during this time period.

Campus dining services will remain open for students on an abbreviated basis. Students should check their Olivet e-mail for a message from Nancy Bretzlaff, which contains details of the dining services schedule, as well as information about Benner library, intramurals, and the Fitness Center.

Tuesday evening revival service will take place as scheduled at College Church (University Campus).There will be no Wednesday morning revival service due to the cancellation of classes. A decision regarding the Wednesday night service at College Church will be made tomorrow.

While we expect to all be back on our normal schedules on Thursday, this will be confirmed with an e-mail to all faculty, staff and students on Wednesday evening. Notifications will continue to be made on Shine.FM (89.7) and also on Blackboard.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Information for roommates of sick students

Over the past few weeks, on the few occassions where students have been isolated for an "influenza like illness," the Health Service has provided the following information to the affected student's roommate(s). This information is posted as an additional resource for families who may be affected by an influenza like illness in the future.

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As you may know, your roommate has been sick and now is being isolated for what we are calling an “Influenza Like Illness.” This is not stating that your roommate has H1N1 or “Swine Flu,” but that they have presented with symptoms of a type of influenza.

Because you are living in close contact with your roommate, it is possible that you have already been exposed to the illness. If you have been exposed, you could start to develop symptoms in 1 to 4 days.

Please get plenty of rest, drink fluids and wash your hands frequently. Watch for any of the signs of “Influenza Like Illness” such as fever of greater than 100.0 and sore throat or cough. You may also experience muscles aches, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting and dizziness. If you develop any of these symptoms, please contact your RD or Health Service immediately.

If you have not yet been exposed to the virus, there are some things you can do to help prevent getting it. First, use an anti-bacterial wipe to clean hard surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, beds, desks, etc. This will ensure that the virus is not lingering around waiting for you to pick it up. It is important to note that the influenza virus does not live for long periods of time outside of the body.

The most important thing you can do it stay rested, hydrated and keep washing your hands.

H1N1 Vaccine

Olivet has been approved to receive 2000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. There is no cost to Olivet.

Priority will be given to current Olivet students, ages 18-24. The ONU Health Office is making arrangements to administer the shots in Conference Rooms B&C in Ludwig. The vaccine will arrive around Oct 22. Only one shot is required for this age group

Any remaining vaccine shots will be offered to ONU faculty and staff.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Update: Sending students home

As a preventative measure, Olivet will make every effort to send students who have an influenza like illness home until they have gone 24-hours without a fever.

Not only is this generally the most comfortable option for the students affected, but is also the best way to prevent an outbreak of the flu within residential halls.

In the case where travel is not possible, Olivet has isoloated rooms and facilities available for students with an influenza like illness. They will continue to receive care and nourishment through the support of residential life staff.

To this point, three ONU students with an influenza like illness have been sent home.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Update: Education and Isolation

As of September 8, 2009, there have been two reported cases of Olivet Nazarene University students with an influenza like illness.

While it has not been confirmed that these students have the H1N1 virus, they have been isolated from the student body as a preventative measure. Both students are expected to make a quick and full recovery.

As recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Kankakee County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health, the University continues to focus on educating those who are not sick, and isolating those who are.

Currently, there is no commercial testing available for H1N1. Instead, care is determined by an "influenza like illness," including symtoms of a fever of 100 degrees or greater, accompanied by a cough or sore throat.

Students with these symptoms will be isolated from the student body until they have gone 24-hours without a fever, at which point they are no longer contagious. Whenever possible, the University will send students with an influenza like illness home. In cases where traveling home is not a realistic option, isolated, on-campus facilities will be provided.

Faculty and staff members who have an influenza like illness have been advised to stay home until they have gone at least 24-hours without a fever.

In order to provide the best possible care to our students, the University requests that the general public do not contact the Health Service with general H1N1 inquiries. This way, we can help ensure our phone lines are kept open for students in need of medical services.

As the situation warrants, additional information, University policies, and updates on the H1N1 virus will be posted to this blog.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Prevention of Swine Flu

At this time, there are NO suspected cases of Swine Flu at Olivet Nazarene University.

Nonetheless, in light of the World Health Organization's recent elevation of the influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5, University officials have enacted the existing pandemic preparedness plan.

At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.

Here are a few things to consider:

Symptoms: Fever, lethergy, lack of appetite and cough (runny nose and sore throat have also been reported)

Transmission: Through close contact with infected people. Nasal or oral secretions (from cough or sneeze), touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.

If you are sick: STAY HOME and SEE YOUR DOCTOR! The current anti-viral medications ARE effective for this type of influenza. Testing can be done at your physician's office or the local ER.

Avoid Getting Sick: Wash your hands! Wash your hands! Wash your hands!

Don't touch your face (eyes, nose mouth)!

This is how germs get in your body!!!!!!!

Don't put foreign objects in your mouth... pens, glasses, keys!

This is not a time for fear, but a time for precautions and preparations.

We are in communication with the local health department, and more updates will be shared as needed.

More information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/