Pandemic Influenza PolicyPassan Hall• 570-408-4350(T) • 570-408-5096 (F) • Email
Updated 11/6/09
Background: This policy is intended to provide guidance for Wilkes University during an outbreak of pandemic influenza virus as a means of reducing the spread of the influenza virus throughout the University community.
WILKES H1N1 FLU CLINIC SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
The University has scheduled a flu immunization clinic (H1N1) for Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Marts Center (second floor).This clinic will serve current Wilkes University students, faculty and staff and their family.
Service at this clinic is being extended to family members of students, faculty and staff who are between 6 months and 18 years of age.
Special thanks to the Office of Health and Wellness Services and the volunteers from the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing and Student Affairs for volunteering their services in support of the immunization clinics.
Please arrive at the Marts Center with your Wilkes ID and the paperwork completed. It can be found on the right hand side of this page
As of November 6, six confirmed student cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed at Wilkes. Due to the high volume of flu-like cases throughout the Northeast, health care facilities are no longer routinely screening for the virus; therefore, there may be additional cases among our university community.
Anyone presenting symptoms of H1N1 at the University's Health and Wellness Services will be encouraged to follow the recommended treatment protocol for the virus. We continue to ask students, staff, and faculty to be vigilant about covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing and washing hands frequently with soap and warm water or utilize the hand sanitizers located throughout campus. If students and staff are experiencing influenza-like symptoms, we ask that they self-isolate and stay away from campus for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
For more information about the H1N1 virus please click here
Any questions may be directed to the Health and Wellness Services Office at 408-4730.
- If a person presents within the University community where the H1N1 transmission is occurring (based on a positive influenza A quick test or symptoms consistent of the flu, i.e.: greater than a temperature of 102 degrees, plus one or more of the following
 symptoms: nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough) close contact with this person should be limited. Students, staff, and faculty who live either on or off campus should self-isolate (i.e. stay away from others). These persons will be encouraged to return home as soon as possible. If this is not possible (only in extreme circumstances such as significant geographic distance), housing will be provided for resident students away from the residence hall setting.
- Those persons isolated on campus will be provided essential goods and services and monitoring of their health status.
- Persons diagnosed with Influenza A (H1N1) flu and those having the above mentioned symptoms should stay isolated except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Persons having the H1N1 flu or symptoms mentioned above should seek medical care either through their health care provider or at the University Health and Wellness Center. Confirmation of the illness and treatment should be provided to the Director of Health and Wellness Services upon returning to the University. Students should report their absence from classes due to illness to the Office of Student Affairs (extension 4100).
- The PA Department of Health is charged with the protection of public health and welfare, and has the authority to implement measures to prevent, suppress, and control infectious diseases within Luzerne County and the Commonwealth. The PA Department of Health will be the lead agency in coordinating local pandemic influenza preparedness and response activities with regional and federal partners.
- This policy may be modified based on changing conditions and new information.
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