Updates
30 October, 2009: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 influenza activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness continue to increase and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons.
In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths are continuing to rise and are above what is expected for this time of year. The CDC also reports that since April 2009, there have been 95 confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths; 9 of 11 confirmed pediatric flu deaths this week were attributed to H1N1.
Locally, NNMC and Malcolm Grow are reporting that approximately 25% of their emergency room visits are due to influenza-like illness, and the pediatric clinics are seeing an overwhelming number of patients with flu-like symptoms. Montgomery County is also reporting an increase in the number of cases.
At USU, data from our ongoing surveillance efforts indicates that we have had approximately 215 workdays of absence related to flu-like illness since we began collecting it on October 1. Approximately 37 of those absences were among students, with the remaining among staff and faculty.
There are still several departments who have not yet submitted daily accountability reports. It is important that we have full participation so that we can accurately monitor the risk to the University and our operating status. Frequently asked questions about the surveillance system are available on the USU website.
H1N1 vaccine for active-duty personnel and DoD civilians will be coming directly from the military vaccination suppliers, but is not expected to be available until late November. Once USU receives the vaccine from DoD, we will conduct a mass vaccination clinic for USU active-duty personnel and Federal DoD civilian employees.
Vaccine supplies for family members, eligible beneficiaries and contractors will be provided by the states (MD, DC, VA) with initial supplies for those at highest risk: Pregnant women, household contacts and care givers for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, and persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
Military family members and other eligible beneficiaries who are in the at-risk categories should be able to receive the vaccine through the USU Health Center once the vaccine arrives. Likewise, contractors should also be able to receive the "state provided" vaccine through the USU Occupational Health Nurse once available.
In the meantime, civilians and all beneficiaries (non-active duty) who are able to receive the vaccine through an outside source prior to its availability at USU are encouraged to take advantage of that opportunity rather than waiting. Likewise, service members who are in an at-risk category may also wish to pursue the vaccine from outside sources rather than waiting for the DoD-provided supply. Please visit your local county health department website for public vaccine distribution information. (It is recommended that you call first before going to the distribution site to ensure they have not run out as these supplies are usually very limited.)
The USU H1N1 Influenza web page continues to remain an excellent source of information. It contains updates, announcements and links to the CDC and DOD influenza websites with the latest information on H1N1. The USU website also contains information on the university's absentee policies for military and civilian members, and you are encouraged to review them if you have any questions. The link to the University Family Health Center also offers a wealth of information and advice for staying healthy and avoiding the flu, along with tips for what to do if you do get sick. Please take the time to read through this important information.
30 September 2009: A number of USU members have asked whether collection and reporting of the influenza surveillance data is a violation of HIPAA. This issue was addressed with the USU Office of General Counsel.
The information being collected through this survey is for the purposes of determining mission readiness and general public health monitoring.
The survey does not include, nor is it intended to include, Protected Health Information or personally identifiable data.
According to our General Counsel's office, the HIPAA Privacy Rule applies only to covered entities. USU is not considered a covered entity. However, If USU were a covered entity, since the information is being collected for purposes of determining mission readiness and general public health monitoring, and not for health care purposes, HIPAA would not apply.
"Individuals, organizations, and agencies that meet the definition of a covered entity under HIPAA must comply with the Privacy Rule's requirements to protect the privacy of health information and must provide individuals with certain rights with respect to their health information. USUHS is not a covered entity. If an entity is not a covered entity, it does not have to comply with the Privacy Rule."
If an employee does not wish to answer some or all of the questions they may decline to answer.
For additional information on covered entities see: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/index.html
22 September 2009: Absentee Policies posted
- 2009 Influenza USU Uniformed Personnel Absentee Policy
- USU Civilian Personnel Absentee Policy for Seasonal or Suspected H1N1 Influenza
View all currently available policies
17 September 2009: Educational resources available from the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress may be helpful in understanding and explaining the risks and prevention of exposure to the H1N1 virus.
Public Health Emergencies Offer Teachable Moments
http://www.cstsonline.org/pandemicflu.shtml
