PANDEMIC PLANNING ALL FACULTY MEETING September 8, 2009

H1N1 Pandemic Planning  There have been cases of H1N1 at Harvard this fall,... but not at HKS (yet)  H1N1 is not as virulent as feared,... but could mutate  Incidence may grow, peak (Oct/Nov?), then diminish... but may also come in waves  There will most likely be higher absences of faculty, students and staff  “Social Distancing” and self-isolation when sick are very important  Decanal communications to faculty, students and staff early this week

How should faculty prepare? For absent students:  Make full use of course webpages for readings, assignments, questions and answers, on-line discussions  When/if many students are absent, video and post as many classes as you can, using IT folks and your CAs For your own possible absence:  Can one class simply be dropped?  Can someone teach a class or two for you? (All teaching faculty should have a “buddy”.)  Can you schedule a make-up class, or tape a class to post on line?  Might you be willing to conduct a class from home, if simple technology were available?

H1N1 Pandemic Planning – Student Guidance Harvard University Health Services Guidance If you have symptoms of the Flu: (Symptoms of the flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, can include runny nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.)  Do not attend classes  Stay away from other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Some people with flu may not have fever so that a lack of fever does not mean absence of infection.  Prepare for the possibility of missing classes by planning to continue your work at home (e.g., homework packets, Web-based lessons, phone calls)  Return to your home, if possible, if you have flu-like illness and live relatively close to the campus.  Wear a surgical mask if you have close contact with others or are in any shared or public space.

H1N1 Pandemic Planning – Student Guidance Harvard University Health Services Guidance (Continued)  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners (such as Purell©) are also effective. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissues are available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder.  Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks) to keep you from becoming dehydrated  Check your temperature if you feel chilled or warm.  Contact health services if you are at higher risk for complications from the flu, such as chronic medical conditions as asthma, diabetes or heart disease or on medications for immunosuppression.  Call health services ( ) or go there right away if you are getting worse. We are open 24/7. UHS will notify the Dean of Students at the school so they will be able to provide you any assistance if needed. Updated: August 27, 2009 Source: Adapted from Centers for Disease Control – CDC Atlanta