Posted 9/10/09: H1N1 Flu at Xavier

Only a few new probable cases of the novel H1N1 virus have been identified on campus since the Labor Day weekend. At this time, no students are being isolated on campus.

The recovery center remains set up in the lower level of the Alumni Center. There are no plans at this time to dismantle the center. However, it is still recommended that students, faculty, staff and visitors avoid going to the lower level at this time.

At this time it is okay to resume using the north/Dana side entrance to the Alumni Center. Please note that if the recovery center is reactivated, this entrance would again be restricted to people going to the recovery center.

All campus activities have returned to normal scheduling. However, the current modifications to Mass (no holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, etc.) will be observed during the Spirit Celebration this Sunday, September 13.

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday. Students who feel ill are asked to call the Center at 513-745-3022. After hours contact Campus Police at 513-745-1000.

The Xavier community is fighting a great battle against the flu, but we're not out of the woods yet. Please continue to follow good hygiene guidelines: cover your cough/sneeze and wash your hands.

Employees who contract the flu should notify their supervisor and stay home for 5 days from the onset of symptoms. They need to be fever free for 24 hours, without medication (e.g. Advil, Tylenol, or similar fever reducing products) before returning to work. A doctor's note is not required in this specific instance.

The University continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to respond in the event of another outbreak.

Please bookmark www.xavier.edu/flu for the latest on the novel H1N1 flu situation at Xavier.

Posted 9/8/09: H1N1 Flu at Xavier

Xavier University has determined that at this time it is okay to return to normal scheduling for social events and other activities. However, the current modifications to Mass (no holding hands during the Lord's Prayer, etc.) will be observed during the Spirit Celebration this Sunday, September 13.

All the remaining students in the Alumni Center recovery center were discharged over the weekend. So at this time, care at the recovery center has been suspended. The recovery center will reopen if necessary. The Alumni Center has been thoroughly cleaned. However, since it is not known when the recovery center might reopen, it is recommended that students, faculty, staff and visitors avoid going to the lower level at this time.

Please note there are several parking spaces at the Alumni Center marked with orange cones. Please allow drivers with handicapped plates/tags to use these spaces. These spaces are close to the south entrance of the Alumni Center which has a handicapped entrance.

Xavier has documented approximately 150 probable flu cases since the University was first notified of the presence of the novel H1N1 virus on campus. This includes cases where students have recovered.

The Xavier community is fighting a great battle against the flu, but we're not out of the woods yet. Please continue to follow good hygiene guidelines: cover your cough/sneeze and wash your hands.

Students who feel ill are asked to call the McGrath Health and Wellness Center at 513-745-3022. After hours contact Campus Police at 513-745-1000.

Employees who contract the flu should notify their supervisor and stay home for 5 days from the onset of symptoms. They need to be fever free for 24 hours, without medication (e.g. Advil, Tylenol, or similar fever reducing products) before returning to work. A doctor's note is not required in this specific instance.

The University continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to respond in the event of another outbreak.

Please bookmark www.xavier.edu/flu for the latest on the novel H1N1 flu situation at Xavier.

Posted 9/4/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

Many Xavier students, living relatively near Cincinnati, are taking advantage of the long Labor Day weekend to go home, as the University has encouraged. Fewer people on campus means fewer person-to-person contacts by which the virus spreads. Quite a few students have already fully recovered. According to the CDC, those who have already had and recovered from the novel H1N1 virus most often will not get it again.

For students not going home, all normal campus services will be open as usual.

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center will be open Saturday 9/5, Sunday 9/6 and Monday 9/7 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. Outside of those hours, ill students should call Campus Police at 513-745-1000.

All students currently in the Alumni recovery Center are scheduled to be discharged on Saturday morning. No other students are scheduled to be admitted at this time, so care at the recovery center will be suspended. For any students remaining on campus who fall ill during the weekend and cannot go home, alternate locations are available for their recovery, with food services and medical care. The Recovery Center will be reactivated should the need arise.

The 4:00 p.m. student Mass will be celebrated Sunday, September 6 observing the recommendations of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati:

• Students with flu-like symptoms or who may have been exposed should not attend
• Do not hold hands during the Lord's Prayer
• Eucharistic ministers must wash their hands before distributing
• No distribution from the cup to the congregation
• People should make a gesture during the Sign of Peace that does not include touching
• Cancel any socials before or after Mass

If students become ill while home over the weekend, they are reminded to notify the McGrath Health and Wellness Center and stay at home to fully recover. They should also notify their hall director and professors.

Students, faculty and staff with medical conditions which may put them at a higher risk because of the campus presence of the novel H1N1 virus, are asked to contact their personal physicians for guidance.

Posted 9/2/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

Xavier students are being encouraged to go home, if they can, over the three-day Labor Day weekend. The move could help the Xavier community battle the spread of the novel H1N1 virus.

The primary way the virus is thought to spread is person-to-person through coughing and sneezing of infected people. Fewer people on campus would mean fewer person-to-person contacts and help reduce the spread of the virus through the Xavier community.

For those who can't go home, all normal campus services will be open as usual.

If students become ill while at home, they’re being asked to notify the McGrath Health and Wellness Center and stay at home to recover.

Students who are ill and have family at home who have chronic health issues, are pregnant, compromised immune systems, etc. are urged to stay on campus over the weekend so as not to spread the virus.

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center will be open over the holiday weekend, September 5-7, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. After hours, students are asked to call Campus Police at 513-745-1000.

Students, faculty and staff who have a medical condition which may put them at a higher risk because of the presence of the novel H1N1 virus on campus, are asked to contact their personal physicians.

The 4:00 p.m. student Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, September 6 with the following adjustments as recommended by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati:

• Encourage students who are showing any symptoms or may have been exposed to stay home
• Do not hold hands during the Lord's Prayer
• Have the Eucharistic ministers wash their hands before distributing
• Do not distribute from the cup to the congregation
• Have people make some gesture of "peace" during the Sign of Peace that does not include touching
• Cancel any socials before or after Mass

Xavier's Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the flu situation and will post any new information at www.xavier.edu/flu. On this site you will also find frequently asked questions about the novel H1N1 virus.

Posted 9/1/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

It has been ten days since Xavier received the first notification verifying the presence of the novel H1N1 flu virus on campus. Since then approximately 110 probable cases of novel H1N1 have been identified. This number includes students who have already recovered from the illness.

The student recovery center at the Alumni Center continues to house students 24/7. All are progressing steadily, some have been discharged. At this time approximately 25 students are at the recovery center.

The recovery center is staffed 24/7 by medical personnel. Dr. James Konerman, Medical Director of the McGrath and Wellness Center, is making daily rounds at the recovery center.

In order to help stop the spread of the flu, students who are diagnosed as probable for H1N1 flu are required to either go home for recovery or to self isolate themselves in the recovery center in Alumni Center. This applies to all students no matter where if they live off campus, on campus or if they have separate bedrooms.

Students who self isolate in the recovery center should expect to remain for a maximum of five days and be fever free for 24 hours, without medication (Tylenol, Advil or similar fever reducing products).

Students who elect to recover at home should remain home for five days and be fever free for 24 hours, without medication (Tylenol, Advil or similar fever reducing products) before returning to campus.

Employees who contract the flu should notify their supervisor and stay home for 5 days from the onset of symptoms. They need to be fever free for 24 hours, without medication (e.g. Advil, Tylenol, or similar fever reducing products) before returning to work. A doctor's note is not required in this specific instance.

Several other universities in the area are now reporting cases of novel H1N1.

Xavier's Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the flu situation and will post any new information at www.xavier.edu/flu. On this site you will also find frequently asked questions about the novel H1N1 virus.

Posted 8/31/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center continues to get calls from students who are experiencing influenza like illnesses. Students are either going home or are going to the student recovery center in the lower level of the Alumni Center.

Approximately 15-16 students are currently at the center and are steadily progressing. The recovery area is being staffed 24/7 with help from Xavier faculty and Tri-Health medical professionals. Dr. Konerman from the McGrath Health Center is also making daily rounds at the recovery center. Several students have already been discharged.

To help prevent the spread of the flu, students and those assisting students in the recovery area and ONLY students and those assisting students are asked to enter the Alumni Center through the north (Dana Avenue) side entrance.

All other Xavier staff and visitors are asked to enter the Alumni Center through the front door near the flag pole or at the south end of the building near Physical Plant. A handicapped entrance is available at the south end of the Alumni Center.

Alumni Center staff is asked NOT to use the north (Dana) entryway to either enter or exit the building, including using handicapped door near the Alumni Association. Please be considerate of the employees in that area.

Students who are concerned about classes should contact their professors for updates. The Deans have all received lists of which students are not in class due to the flu and will be contacting their faculty.

Students who are not feeling well should call the McGrath Health and Wellness Center immediately at ex 3022. If it is after hours please call Campus Police at ex 1000.

Posted 8/29/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

Xavier continues to monitor and evaluate the novel H1N1 flu situation on campus. The student recovery center in the lower level of the Alumni Center is now in operation. Approximately a dozen students are recovering there. A number of other students have opted to go home. (Please note if you are visiting or work at the Alumni Center, please enter through the west door near the flag pole or through the Physical Plant entrance on the south side of the building. The north entrance is to be used exclusively for those going to the student recovery center.)

The recovery area is being staffed 24/7 by medical personnel. Staff from the McGrath and Wellness Center is checking on the students there as well. Several faculty members from Xavier’s School of Nursing are also volunteering at the recovery center. All the students seem to be progressing well. Chartwell’s continues to deliver food three times a day.
McGrath is open this weekend and continues to get calls from students. Campus Police continue to transport students when necessary.

Cincinnati Health Department officials visited the recovery area today and are reacting positively to the actions Xavier is taking to try to stop the spread of the flu.
Though many group activities and/or events across campus have been cancelled or rescheduled, Fr. Graham has asked that beginning this weekend the 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. student Sunday Masses be celebrated as previously scheduled, but with proper precautions and some modifications in terms of usual practice in light of the current environment. This applies only to the student Masses and not Bellarmine parish Masses.

Students who have flu symptoms or who may have been exposed to the virus are asked not to attend Mass. Individuals who are sick or have been exposed are dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass due to illness.

For now, in order to help prevent the spread of the flu, the Archdiocese of Cincinnati has recommended that we implement the following practices:

• Encourage students who are showing any symptoms or may have been exposed to stay home
• Do not hold hands during the Lord’s Prayer
• Have the Eucharistic ministers wash their hands before distributing
• Do not distribute from the cup to the congregation
• Have people make some gesture of “peace” during the Sign of Peace that does not include touching
• Cancel any socials before or after Mass

Posted 8/28/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

On Friday, Aug. 28, all students with confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 influenza virus or who showed symptoms of having the virus were instructed to go home if they live within 300 miles and/or five hours from campus and can arrange private (not public) transportation, or they were moved across campus into the lower level of the Alumni Center as a means of better caring for their illness and limiting the spread of the flu throughout the University.
 
Following recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control, the University is no longer testing students for the novel H1N1 virus but is considering all who show symptoms to be infected with the virus and is treating them accordingly.
 
The Alumni Center is being supervised and be staffed by medical personnel. Food is being provided three times a day by Chartwell’s, the University’s food service provider. The area is set up with televisions and wireless Internet connections. Students were given a list of suggested items to bring with them.

Also, based upon recommendations from the Cincinnati Health Department and in the interest of keeping everyone in the Xavier community healthy, the University has canceled or postponed all major events through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7, pending further notice. Major events include all Week of Welcome activities, the Labor Day Fireworks, Club Sports practices and more.
 
Additionally, students were sent an e-mail on Friday informing them about these events and instructing them on what to do to prevent becoming ill or what to do if they become ill, including:

• Faculty are being asked to excuse students from class who are coughing or experiencing flu-like symptoms. If any students are excused, they are being told to immediately contact the McGrath Health and Wellness Center and their names are being forwarded to the dean's office.
• Students who are not feeling well outside of class are being told to immediately call the McGrath Health and Wellness Center at 513-745-3022 and stay away from others as much as possible.
• Students who are feeling ill are being given the option to go home and return to campus when they are completely recovered.
• If a student does leave campus, he or she is being asked to notify their advisor and/or residence hall director.
• If students are not able to go home or has to wait for a parent to pick them up, they are being moved to the Alumni Center. If they can’t transport themselves, transportation is being provided.
• Disinfectant, paper towels, gloves and masks are being made available in the residence halls.

Posted 8/28/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

The lower level of the Alumni Center has been converted to a recovery area for students. It is being staffed 24/7 by medical professionals, including some from Tri-Health here in Cincinnati.

Food is being provided. Students who are coming to the Alumni Center are being told what and what not to bring. Students also have the option of going home.

Please note: Students are being asked to enter the Alumni Center through the side/north entrance to the building. Faculty, staff and visitors are being asked to enter the Alumni Center through the front entrance near the flag pole.

Updated information from the Cincinnati Health Department indicates that students can return to their normal routine once they have been fever free (without the use of medications) for 24 hours. This still could mean a 3-5 day isolation period for students.

Based on recommendations from the Cincinnati Health Department, the University is canceling or postponing major events through the Labor Day holiday.

Faculty were asked to excuse from class any student who was coughing and/or presented influenza like illnesses. Those students were told to contact the McGrath Health and Wellness Center.

There was a technical problem with the parents’ hotline at 513-745-4900. That problem has now been resolved. The line is staffed 24/7, however, if you are asked to leave a message, please do so. Your call will be returned.

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center will be open Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Posted 8/28/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

More and more students are reporting mild influenza like symptoms and illnesses. Seven cases have been confirmed as novel H1N1. Several cases have also been confirmed at other area universities.

In light of this and after consultation with the Cincinnati Health Department, students who are feeling ill may choose to go home and return to campus when they are completely well.

• For students who are feeling ill but not able to go home, or who are waiting for parents to pick them up, Xavier is making provisions for additional care while they recover.
• The lower level of the Alumni Center is being converted to a recovery area for students, whether they live on or off campus. The area has space to accommodate a number of students, has sufficient bathroom facilities, is air conditioned, has a separate air filter system, is quiet, and can be isolated from the rest of the building.
• The area will be supervised and be staffed by medical personnel. Food will be provided. Other spaces are also being investigated should need arise for more space.
• People infected with novel H1N1 flu may be able to infect others before showing symptoms. An isolation period of up to seven days may be necessary.
• We also want to make sure that faculty and staff remain well. Monitoring your temperature is one way to check your health. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home and contact your personal physician.
• Academic Affairs will work with students to keep up on their classes. Faculty and staff are available to assist them in staying current or getting caught up with their academic work or to address other concerns of you or your children.
• Faculty are also are being asked to excuse students from class who may be coughing or are otherwise presenting influenza like symptoms. Those students should immediately contact the McGrath Health and Wellness Center. You should also forward the names of the students to your dean's office.
• A parents hotline has been established at 513-745-4900.
• Xavier continues to encourage diligent personal hygiene. The entire Xavier community was sent an email last Friday urging everyone to take steps to prevent the flu. Flyers have been posted. Hand sanitizers have been placed around campus. Tissues are in classrooms.
• Cleaning crews are paying special attention to areas that are touched a lot, such as door knobs, light switches, etc. Laptops loaned to students at the Gallagher Student Center and McDonald Library are being wiped down when returned by students.

Posted: 8/27/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

Approximately fifty students have reported to the McGrath Health and Wellness Center that they are experiencing influenza like illness and seven cases have been confirmed as novel H1N1 virus.  Other students also report being ill. Additionally, several cases of novel H1N1 have been confirmed at other universities in the area including the University of Cincinnati and Miami University.

At this time, the University has no plans to limit visitors to campus or to disrupt classes or planned activities. We are doing everything we can to keep our institution operating as usual. Xavier health officials and others are meeting today (August 27) with local public health officials to assess the situation.

Those affected at Xavier have been experiencing mostly mild symptoms of coughs and aches and a fever. Those mildly affected are being treated with antiviral medication and are fully recovered or recovering. Students who are experiencing flu like symptoms are being advised to call the McGrath Health and Wellness Center at 513-745-3022. They will be given further information from a doctor, nurse or Tri-Health paramedics who will also be answering phone calls. The students may be asked to come to McGrath. Campus Police can provide transportation.

Students may also be told to remain in isolation in their rooms (or at their homes) until the period of contagion passed (24 hours after a fever is gone without the use of fever reducing medicine), in accordance with guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Xavier is also asking faculty and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms, or who were exposed to someone who has told them they had novel H1N1 flu, to stay home and to contact their personal physicians.

Anyone experiencing any of the emergency warning signs listed below should go to the nearest hospital and seek medical attention. Students can call Campus Police at 745-1000. Those warning signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

Xavier continues to stress the importance of practicing good hygiene at all times, even if there are no symptoms, to reduce the risk of spreading sickness.

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
• Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).  Don’t go to class or work.
• Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Posted 8/26/09: No new confirmed cases

As of Wednesday, August 26, 2009 there are no new confirmed cases of H1N1 at Xavier University.

Plans are underway to have tissues available in all classrooms to help stop the spread of germs. Students, faculty and staff are reminded that the best line of defense against the novel H1N1 virus is washing your hands with soap and warm water. University cleaning crews are using the CDC-approved disinfectant across campus which kills germs on surfaces in the least possible time. Please note, however, that at this time there are NO products which kill the novel H1N1 virus. Again, diligent personal hygiene is the best defense.

Posted 8/25/09: Prevent the flu powerpoint

Download the powerpoint presentation for tips for preventing the flu. These slides cn be used by faculty in classes or by all for flu tips. This powerpoint will be planning on the video screens around the Gallagher Student Center.

Posted 8/24/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) at Xavier

On Sunday, August 23, 2009, Xavier University was notified of two confirmed cases of 2009 novel H1N1 influenza A virus. The cases involve students who live on the Xavier campus. 

The two individuals who tested positive for novel H1N1 flu were mildly ill when tested, and have since been treated with antiviral medication and are fully recovered or are recovering.

The individuals first contacted the McGrath Health and Wellness Center to report flu symptoms the week of August 17 and remained in isolation in their rooms (or at their homes) until the period of contagion passed, in accordance with guidelines outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meals were provided for the students in their rooms to preserve the self-isolation.

Xavier’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the McGrath Health and Wellness Center have been preparing for the possibility of novel H1N1 on campus and have been taking steps to prevent the spread of the flu.

For example, hand sanitizers are more available across campus. Cleaning crews are making sure door handles and other such areas are being wiped down. Flyers have been posted in buildings across campus urging people to practice good hygiene. An e-mail was sent as recently as Friday, August 21, reminding the entire Xavier community (faculty, staff and students) to take preventive steps to fight to flu. The latest updates on the novel H1N1 situation can be found at www.xavier.edu/emergency

At this time, the University has no plans to limit visitors to campus or to disrupt classes or planned activities. We are doing everything we can to keep our institution operating as usual. For now, the University is urging members of the campus community to be aggressive in their vigilance of hygienic practices.

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. 
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering. 
• Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).  Don’t go to class or work. 
• Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Xavier officials are also working closely with the county and state health officials and have been monitoring all updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Students experiencing flu-like symptoms, or who were exposed to someone who has told them they had H1N1 flu, are being asked to maintain their distance from other individuals and immediately call the McGrath Health and Wellness Center at 513-745-3022. Students with fever and flu-like symptoms will be evaluated and asked to stay in their rooms or apartments/homes to help minimize the spread of the infection.

Chartwell’s is working on plans to transport meals to residence halls for affected students. More details will follow when finalized.

Xavier is also asking faculty and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms, or who were exposed to someone who has told them they had novel H1N1 flu, to stay home and to contact their personal physicians.

Posted 8/24/09: H1N1 (aka Novel or Swine Flu) Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to find a guide to Frequently Asked Questions about the swine flu.

Posted 8/21/09: CDC Guidance for Response to Influenza for Institutions of Higher Education during the 2009-2010 Academic Year

The CDC released guidance for institutions of higher education on August 20, 2009. This document provides guidance to help decrease the spread of flu among students, faculty, and staff of institutions of higher education (IHE) and post-secondary educational institutions during the 2009-2010 academic year. To see the full text, click here.

Posted 6/11/09: World Health Organization (WHO) update

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an H1N1 global flu pandemic...the first in 41 years.

The pandemic declaration will require all countries, including dozens that haven't yet reported any cases, to launch pandemic-prevention plans.

Peter Cordingley, a spokesman for the WHO based in Manila, noted that the term pandemic was "a measure of the spread of the virus, not the severity of the virus." The virus's effects are moderate at the moment, he noted. "But it's still going to infect an awful lot of people."

United States HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the declaration was expected and reaffirmed that the departments are already doing the things needed to keep the public as safe and secure as possible. More about the U.S. response can be found at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/.

The Xavier University Emergency Response Team (ERT), which includes the McGrath Health and Counseling Center medical staff, encourages the Xavier community to review the guidelines about preventing the spread of germs. The ERT is monitoring the situation and will advise the Xavier community if any action is necessary in relation to the pandemic.