(August 12, 2009)

ACHA Interim Guidance for Managing On-Campus Novel H1N1 Flu Pandemic

Dear ACHA member,

In anticipation of major outbreaks of Novel H1N1 Flu on college campuses this fall and winter, Chair Anita Barkin, PhD, and members of the Emerging Public Health Threats and Emergency Response Planning Coalition, in consultation with Bob Palinkas, MD, chair of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Committee, are leading their respective groups in developing a set of guidelines for managing the pandemic. The new guidelines will include updated CDC information about isolating cases, use of antivirals, communication strategies, personal protective equipment, and infection control information.

In the interim, ACHA offers the following information that will prove useful until the ACHA guidelines are published in the next three to four weeks.

General Information:
The most comprehensive general information regarding Novel H1N1 Flu infection is available at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and includes:

• Links to specific groups (see below)
• Links to useful education materials
  
  

Healthcare provider Information:
Specific information is at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/clinician, which includes:

• Treatment Guidance (antivirals)
• Infection Control in a Healthcare Setting
  
  

Childcare Programs, Schools, and Colleges Information:
Specific information for guidance for colleges and universities, and other post-secondary educational institutions is available at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm and includes:

• Interim guidance for self-isolation
  
  

ACHA will post and distribute its guidelines after the editing and review process in the next three to four weeks. In the meantime, we encourage you to continue talking and collaborating with other campus/community stakeholders including your campus administrations, campus housing officials, and local public health departments.

Sincerely,

James C. Turner, MD
President
American College Health Association