10 SEP 09
OPSTRNG MEMORANDUM 9-01(Rev 1)
SUBJ: H1N1 VIRUS PREVENTION, CONTAINMENT, AND RECOVERY PLAN
Purpose. The purpose of this memo is to outline actions to prevent and/or contain the spread of the H1N1 virus within the Corps of Cadets.
Background: H1N1 (referred to early on as “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that 2009 H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. The 2009 H1N1 virus is spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. People may also become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Discussion. Texas A&M officials are carefully monitoring the H1N1 virus situation and are planning for the possibility of increased cases of flu-like illnesses in the weeks and months ahead. To help prevent the spread of the virus, if you experience flu-like symptoms we strongly encourage you to practice self-isolation and not go to classes or work until you are without fever for a 24-hour period, without having to use medication to reduce fever.
Preventive Measures. Recommend the following actions to deter the spread of the H1N1 virus:
1. Terminate Whipping Out as a preventative measure to reduce the amount of physical contact among cadets and the spread of the virus.
2. Exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy diet. Stay current on your immunizations.
3. Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash.
4. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
5. Avoid close contact with sick people.
6. Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
7. Establish multiple alcohol-based hand sanitizer stations. Focus on frequently used entry/exit points and restrooms, common areas and/or eating areas. Use hand sanitizers placed on Duncan tables.
8. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces (virus remains infectious for 2-8 hours outside the body). Pay particular attention to doorknobs, telephones, tabletops, and other frequently handled items/surfaces.
9. Sanitation kits consisting of a facemask, gloves, disinfectant, cleaning solution and sealable trash bags will be available at Corps Housing to keep cadet rooms disinfected. After 1700, the Commandant’s Duty Officer will have access to the kits in Corps Housing-CDO Cell Phone: 979-229-5826.
Containment Measures. Containment involves detecting, reporting and controlling the spread of the H1N1 virus. Commanders must:
1. Screen cadets and educate them regularly on signs/symptoms of influenza and stress the importance of healthy living. The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Lookout for rapid onset of: fever (>100.4) combined w/ respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, etc).
2. Unit Commanders will report all cadets affected by the virus to Corps Staff via their chain of command and the respective Cadet Training Officer.
3. If sick, advise cadets to return home for the recommended self-isolation period if they live near College Station and if they have someone who is not ill who can assist in driving them home.
4. The first floor of Dorm 11 is designated as alternative housing accommodations in the event that an ill cadet cannot return home and requires alternate living arrangements. Dorm 11 room availability begins on 14 September. Until then, cadets must “self-isolate” in order to contain the spread of the virus.
5. Cadets need to notify their unit commander if they believe they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. If confirmed by medical authorities to be H1N1, Commanders or their representative will coordinate with Corps Housing to billet ill cadets in Dorm 11. Ill cadets will remain in Dorm 11 until they a cleared by medical authorities. Once cleared, cadets will return to their unit.
Recovery Measures. Texas A&M University has published detailed guidance in order to obtain excused absences in the event a cadet with H1N1 misses class. Specific procedures for can be found at flu.tamu.edu. Cadets who have recovered from the H1N1 virus should be gradually reintroduced to the units physical fitness/training schedule. Training intensity should be at the cadet’s own pace with sufficient time for rest and recovery. Commanders or their representatives should carefully monitor a cadet’s condition prior to and during daily physical activity.