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4/30/09
The World Health Organization has moved
the H1N1 Influenza threat from Phase 4
to Phase 5. This means that H1N1 is
increasingly more adaptive to humans and
more established within the human population. When
I consider the impact upon our camp community,
this tells me that we should (a) increase
our personal protective behaviors and (b)
become more intentional in our plans. So .
. .
- As H1N1 become more prevalent
in both in U.S. communities and around
the world, I recommend that camps currently
hosting clients are aware of the location
from which clients come. If a group comes
from an area known to have H1N1,
make a determination about that group’s
presence at your camp. This has both
an impact upon infection control and
public relations.
- While it may be a bit early to make
decisions regarding summer programs,
it’s not too early to consider
the timeline for such a decision. In
so doing, remember that we’re still
learning about H1N1. What is determined
now may change as we learn more. As a
result, perhaps it’s best to use
a “rolling timeline” for
decisions, especially if the camp holds
several different sessions during the
summer.
- Look at the camp’s insurance
policy, specifically coverage related
to illness declarations. Determine – now – what
is and what is not covered so you’re
in a position to make good decisions.
Also verify the camp’s insurance
coverage related to business interruption.
- If one hasn’t already done so,
talk with the appropriate preparedness
team that would direct thing in the camp’s
geographic location (don’t know
who this is? Call the Sheriff and ask).
These people need to know when camp is
full of campers and staff. They should
also be briefed about your plans to get
people home and your ability to “shelter
in place.” Inform them now so
they understand both camp needs and camp’s
ability to take care of campers and staff.
Ask them what would happen if camp was
full of people and the Powers That Be
decided that the group needed to go home.
The goal is to fold camp needs into what
this preparedness team might be planning.
- Talk with the camp’s medical
director about securing medications like
Tamiflu. It’s not that a camp needs
to lay in a supply now but rather that
you want to know (a) if your provider
has access to a supply adequate for your
camp community and (b) how you’d
get that medication. You might find that
this question loops you back to the preparedness
folks.
- Develop key messages to use
when talking with parents. They’re
probably getting concerned and may need
assurance that the camp is informed and
acting proactively.
(View
sample key messages)
- Emphasize your camp’s
commitment to safety for both campers
and staff.
- Explain how you are
staying informed.
- Ask parents to
partner with you by making sure their
child practices effective hand-washing
and cough/sneeze behaviors.
- If
the parent asks, explain your Opening
Day screening process, especially
what is done to assess exposure to
communicable disease. It’s
OK to acknowledge that there are
no guarantees. Just as we risk exposure
when at the grocery store or mall,
there is also a risk at camp.
- Some
parents may be concerned because
they know camp has kids and staff
from areas currently known to have
H1N1. Talk about your surveillance
process and the timeline used to
make decisions regarding participation
of people from these areas.
- Reinforce – firmly – the
need for individuals to practice
health-preserving behaviors; I can’t
emphasize this enough.
- Wash hands – effectively.
- Keep personal resiliency high;
stay rested, well nourished and
hydrated.
- Be aware of your
own coughs and sneezes as well
as those from people around you.
If you need motivation, watch
the video at www.CoughSafe.com.
If around people who don’t
practice effective cough/sneeze behaviors,
try to stay at least an arm’s
distance away.
- Make it “camp
policy” that people who
have flu symptoms stay home and
contact their personal physician.
All of us remain a bit skittish about
H1N1. I certainly hope the threat
will settle down but I also think it’s
time we position ourselves more proactively
Return
to H1N1 Influenza
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