2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway. (Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
This page is an index of ACHA and other resources on this topic. Resources include association projects, programs, publications, guidelines, and more. Additional information may be available under “External Resources.”
ACHA Resources
VIDEO: H1N1 Flu Prevention Tips [link to Youtube]
Jim Turner, MD, ACHA President, discusses simple flu prevention tips for college students in this video available on Youtube. Dr. Turner explains how the H1N1 flu virus has disproportionally hit young adults this flu season and reminds students that getting vaccinated is the best protection against the flu. In addition, Dr. Turner strongly advises against drink-sharing among college students, who could be put at higher risk of transmitting the H1N1 flu virus.
Emerging Public Health Threats and
Emergency Response Coalition
This coalition provides multidisciplinary, multiregional education, advocacy, and research on emerging public health threats and emergency response.
ACHA Guidelines: Campus Response to Novel Influenza H1N1 [pdf]
This document provides guidance to college campuses on critical topic areas regarding H1N1 flu.
ACHA Pandemic Influenza Surveillance
The ACHA Pandemic Influenza Surveillance Project was conducted from August 21, 2009 through April 30, 2010 to better understand pandemic influenza activity on college campuses. Initially, ACHA enrolled nearly 300 institutions of higher education, representing over 3 million college students, in a national weekly surveillance reporting system on pandemic influenza activity. Using CDC criteria for influenza like illness (ILI), each school reported new cases diagnosed by the campus medical service on a weekly basis. The peak level of voluntary institutional participation was 278 schools in mid-October 2009, representing over 3.3 million in population served. By project’s end, the level of IHE participation in ILI reporting fell to 170 schools representing 1.9 million in population served. The ACHA observed peak incidence of ILI disease in colleges was 29.0 cases per 10,000 population. That level occurred during the reporting week of October 31-November 6, 2009. The lowest observed incidence was 0.8 cases per 10,000 which occurred during the final week of surveillance (April 24-30, 2010).
The H1N1 surveillance project was an important milestone for college health. Through the efforts of ACHA's national office and participating schools, the project resulted in an accurate representation of the epidemiology of the H1N1 outbreak on college campuses nationally. The data was invaluable to schools, local and state health departments, and the CDC.
ACHA remains especially grateful to all of the colleges and universities that volunteered to be a part of the surveillance project. They helped to demonstrate the importance of college health, and its professionals, as valuable contributors to public health of our nation.
Archive of ACHA H1N1 News Announcements
External Resources
ACHA thanks its committee, coalition, task force, and section volunteers for providing resources and links concerning this topic. ACHA does not endorse or accept responsibility for the content or use of external websites.
CDC Pandemic Flu Planning Guidance Document
This essential resource for communities, schools, and colleges offers guidance on community strategies that would delay or reduce the impact of a severe pandemic
CDC H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Resources for Colleges and Universities
World Health Organization H1N1 Information
H1N1 Higher Education Map from the Universities and Colleges Caucus
ILI/H1N1 Tools and Templates from College Health
The policies and forms listed below have been submitted to ACHA by campuses willing to share their work and are published as submitted. ACHA has not reviewed, does not endorse, and does not accept responsibility for the content or use of these materials. By viewing and downloading, viewers agree to make their own assessments, independent of ACHA, as to the accuracy, validity and usefulness of these resources on their campuses and in other applications of their work.
Clinical Tools
Patient Template, Bentley University [.doc]
Infection Control Guidelines, University of Louisville [.doc]
Flu Sign for Health Center, University of Louisville [.doc]
Screening and Assessment for Influenza [.doc]
Telephone/Advice Nurse Screening for Influenza [.doc]
Algorithm for ILI Response [.doc]
Triage Protocol, Pepperdine University [.doc]Letters:
Information for Parents about H1N1 Influenza, Winona State University [.doc]
Information for Students about H1N1 Influenza, Winona State University [.doc]
Flu Policies and Procedures Letter to Faculty, Finger Lakes Community College [.doc]
Novel H1N1 Flu Letter to Parents, Finger Lakes Community College [.pdf]Posters:
Hand Washing 101, Indiana State University [.jpeg image]
What Can I Do To Protect Myself from the Flu? [.jpg image]
Prevention Poster, University of Oregon [.pdf]
Washed Your Hands?, University of Oregon [.pdf]
Protect Yourself, Barnard College [.pdf]
Various posters, Barnard College [.pdf]Training and Education:
Cold & Flu Information & Self-Care Kit, University of Louisville [.doc]
Seasonal Flu & H1N1 Flu, 2-sided flyer, University of Louisville [.pdf]
H1N1 RA Training presentation, Winona State University [powerpoint]Isolation Housing:
Isolation Housing Nurse Checklist [.doc]
Isolation Housing Response Flow Chart [powerpoint]
