Pandemic Flu

H1N1 Education and Prevention Program

Montgomery College has developed a H1N1 program focused on education and prevention. The program consists of 13 action items which will be implemented in September as supplies become available from our vendors. We encourage all members of the College community to review the program, assist in the implementation, and follow the guidelines for preparedness and prevention.

1. Use MyMC Course Tools
Faculty members are encouraged to use MyMC Course Tools to manage a course site as a method for student communication if classes are cancelled. Within the site, faculty can post announcements, news items, photos, files, important dates and tasks, and messages to a message board. Faculty can also chat online with students in real time and send them e-mail.

2. Provide information in classes
Faculty should share the following information with their classes at least once every two weeks:

  • The best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. The seasonal flu vaccine will be available in September and the H1N1 vaccine will be available later in the fall.

  • Cover your mouth and nose, wash your hands often, and avoid contact with people who are ill.

  • If you are sick, stay home until at least 24 hours after you are fever free (without the use of fever-reducing medications).

  • More information is available at: www.flu.gov.

3. Track Collegewide use of sick leave
Collegewide use of sick leave could show trends in absenteeism. Although sick leave may be taken for employee illness, family illness, or doctor visits, it is important to establish a base line to look for spikes during a community medical event. Tracking the use of sick leave will be a planning tool for ensuring the essential functions of the College are maintained.

4. Post Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “Health Alert”
Post CDC “Health Alert” in the restrooms on each campus and remote sites, if approved by landlord. The CDC “Health Alert” provides guidance for persons with flu symptoms and daily personal flu prevention actions.

5. Post the CDC “Cover Your Cough” poster
Post CDC poster “Cover Your Cough” at multiple locations in each building.

6. Provide Students with notices/flyers
Students should receive the following information on how to protect against seasonal flu/H1N1 virus:

  • CDC flyer “Take 3” Steps To Fight The Flu.

  • Link to H1N1 Updates to all student MC e-mail accounts.

  • Link to H1N1 Updates from MC home web page.

7. Provide Employees with notices/flyers
Employees should receive information on how to protect against seasonal flu/H1N1 virus and related employment practices

  1. Continue to provide H1N1 Updates in Inside MC. Frequency of future updates will be dependent on the spread of the virus and information provided by local, state, and federal health agencies.

  2. Send link to H1N1 Updates to all employee e-mail accounts

  3. Encourage employees to acquire hand sanitizer for use in their personal work areas in addition to good hand washing hygiene and coughing etiquette. The sanitizer should have an alcohol content of 60% or greater. Hand sanitizer products are available at grocery stores and pharmacies.

  4. Office of Human Resources provides guidance to employees if they have flu symptoms:
    • Supervisors should have discussions with their staff about the possible return of the H1N1 virus and have a general understanding that if you are ill, stay at home.

    • If you come to work with flu-like symptoms, you will be sent home. Staying at home means that you should not leave your home except to seek medical care. This means avoiding normal activities, including work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

    • If you are sick, stay home until at least 24 hours after you are fever free (without the use of fever-reducing medications).

8. Expand cleaning services
Expand frequency of cleaning building entry door handles and push plates; restroom fixtures; handrails; and elevator buttons.

9. Distribute hand wipes
Distribute antiseptic hand wipes for computer classrooms, computer labs, and libraries.

10. Install gel dispensers
Provide at least one touch-free antiseptic hand gel dispenser in each building.

11. Plan for possible cancellation of large public gatherings
Develop plan for cancelling large public gatherings if requested by County Public Health. This may include sporting events, performances of the arts, and the use of facilities by internal or external organizations.

12. Review Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP Plan)
Distribute COOP Plan and request departments to review and update as needed. The COOP Plan is an “all-hazards” plan that will allow the College to continue its essential functions after any type of emergency, large or small, for up to two weeks.

13. Monitor restroom conditions
Restroom supplies are a critical component in preventing the spread of the flu virus. To provide an additional source of timely information regarding restroom conditions and supplies, install signs in the lower left hand corner of the restroom mirrors which reads: “For repairs, services, or supplies, call 240-567-xxxx.” The contact number will be the campus facilities help desk.

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