COLLEGE IMPLEMENTS PLANS FOR POTENTIAL H1N1 FLU

Officials at Iowa Lakes Community College want to ‘knock out’ the H1N1 flu if it tries to come ‘knocking’ on the doors of the college. 

Several strategies have been – or are being – implemented, according to Delaine Hiney, Executive Director of Facilities Management, who leads the college’s efforts in this area.

Hiney is the college’s main contact who works with officials in public health and hospitals as well as emergency and law enforcement personnel.

Upon the discovery of the H1N1 virus earlier this spring, Hiney put the college’s plan in action, updating signs throughout all college facilities.  She also helped with the direct communication with students through college e-mail and will use the Iowa Lakes Alert and Web site as needed.  

“We have consistently used the guidelines of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and state public health officials,” Hiney said.  “As many know, a common message repeated regularly helps increase general knowledge about H1N1.”

To increase retention, hand washing signs were hung by sinks in all college restrooms more than a year ago.  In addition, more detailed tips for prevention were hung on the inside of doors to restroom stalls. 

Last week, signs were hung on all entrance doors to the college urging those who feel sick to stay home.

“We outline specific symptoms and encourage those who feel sick to think twice before exposing others to their illness,” Hiney said.

The college’s strategy also includes dorm students.  Plans have been made to assist students sick with H1N1 by providing cleaning supplies and also delivering meals to their rooms.

Working with dorm officials this fall, the plan has been expanded.  Hiney has met with dorm students at campuses in Emmetsburg, Estherville and Spencer and talked about how to keep healthy.  Recently she developed a kit for sick students which includes masks and a health tip sheet.  The health tip sheet answers general questions and explains what students should do if they get sick.

All campuses have been given cleaning supplies for computer keyboards.  And, each classroom and office area has a supply of cleaning fluids which can be used to disinfect areas contaminated by students who appear to have any flu-like symptoms.  Those symptoms include:  runny nose, body aches, headache, diarrhea, coughing, sore throat, tiredness or vomiting.

The college continues to work with public health officials in each of the counties in which it has campuses.  When flu shots are available, clinics will be set up at college campuses. 

“As the situation changes, parents, students, faculty, staff and the public can refer to the latest information which is posted on our college Web site (www.iowalakes.edu) under the ‘Emergency Info’ link,” Hiney said.  “We will continually monitor the situation and do our best to ensure that all who walk through our doors are educated as to the latest preventive measures on the H1N1 strain of flu.”