Important Information about H1N1 Influenza

April 30, 2009

To Members of the Bowdoin Community,

College officials have received a number of inquiries about preparedness in light of recent confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza, the so-called "swine flu."

While there have been no reported cases of the virus on campus or in the local community, the College is monitoring the situation carefully and is prepared to take action, if necessary.

Bowdoin's Campus Emergency Management Team (CEMT) maintains plans to deal with a variety of emergency situations, including health emergencies. A plan dealing with influenza has been modified to address specifically the H1N1 flu. This plan, which would be enacted if confirmed cases appear on campus, includes infection control measures and protocols for the care of affected individuals on campus.

All of Bowdoin's emergency plans have been developed with input from and in cooperation with healthcare, emergency management, public safety and government officials. The health emergency plan provides guidance and protocols covering many areas and contingencies, including but not limited to the following:

  • Risk assessment
  • Identification, training and management of essential personnel
  • Contact information and protocols for working with local, county and state emergency personnel, including medical professionals
  • Campus and off-campus facilities that can be used in specific emergencies
  • Infection control, including hygienic practices, awareness of high-risk factors, the availability and use of personal protective equipment, and vaccines
  • Travel advisories and restrictions
  • Maintaining adequate supplies and provisions
  • Implementation of state and federal mandates
  • Quarantine and evacuation measures
  • Communication with the students, faculty, staff, parents and the public
  • Continuity of business operations
  • Recovery procedures

Download a PDF of the Epidemic Response Plan.

As with any emergency plan, actual responses by the College would be dictated by events. Members of the CEMT have been meeting this week and will continue to assess the situation in Maine and nationally in order to ensure our preparedness and an effective response, should the need arise.

Thus far, there have been seven confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu in Maine, none of which are near Brunswick: two in Kennebec County in central Maine, four in York County in the southernmost area of the state, and one in Penobscot County in the north-central part of Maine. This has prompted Maine Governor John Baldacci to declare a civil emergency, a procedural measure that allows the state easier access to funds and other resources available to assist health care providers in the event cases become widespread.

What this means for Bowdoin:

  • Classes, events and activities are continuing as scheduled

  • If you're a student and you experience flu-like symptoms, call the Health Center at 725-3770

  • Faculty and staff with such symptoms should contact their doctor

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes H1N1 flu symptoms:

    • The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

  • The CDC's recommendations to reduce your risk of becoming infected:

    1. Cover coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or elbow

    2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth

    3. Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing

    4. Stay home if you're sick, especially if you have a fever

You can stay informed about the national H1N1 flu situation by visiting the CDC Web site.

The College will provide updated information to the Bowdoin community if events warrant.


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