Pandemic Influenza

Pandemic influenza is a new virus to which humans have little or no immunity. It can spread worldwide and could overwhelm health resources. It differs from seasonal flu for which you may receive an annual flu shot, in that a vaccine might not be available initially during the outbreak.

An influenza pandemic occurs when three conditions are met:

1. A new influenza virus subtype emerges.
2. The virus infects humans across the globe.
3. The virus gains efficient and sustainable transmission from human to human.

What you should do

Students:

1. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth which are transmission points for germs.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly. You may also use alcohol-based sanitizers.
4. Wash your hands before you eat. Don’t go to class if you are ill.
5. If you get sick, if possible go home. If you cannot go home, contact the Health Center.

Faculty, staff, and administrators:

1. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth which are transmission points for germs.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly. You may also use alcohol-based sanitizers.
4. Wash your hands before you eat.
5. If you feel ill, stay home and contact your supervisor.

Everyone:

1. Be aware of news, information, and guidance concerning the pandemic.  The primary sources for this information are the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
2. Be aware of information and direction from the University concerning how the pandemic might affect University operations.

Remember: To prevent illness, live a healthy lifestyle.

• Eat a balanced diet
• Exercise daily
• Limit the use of alcohol
• Do not smoke
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly

What will happen

University administration will monitor the pandemic situation and remain in contact with federal, state, and local health officials. The information will be evaluated on an ongoing basis to determine how University operations might be affected.

Should information and/or directives from government officials warrant action on the part of the University, the University Emergency Management Team will convene and enact measures contained in the University Emergency Management Plan and departmental pandemic plans.

University officials will determine appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the campus community. Actions might include, but are not limited to:

• Information campaign to encourage proper hygiene techniques, general pandemic prevention, and identification awareness.
• Modifying workplace practices such as:
  • Reduce or eliminate face to face meetings and encourage teleconferencing.
  • Stagger breaks.
  • Encourage or establish flexible work hours and telecommuting.
  • Encourage or establish methods to maintain academic operations by electronic means rather than in classrooms.

• Cancel or postpone campus activities, meetings, and events.
• Determine critical operations and enact measures to maintain those operations.
• Close residence halls.
• Implement alternative delivery of classes.

A pandemic may evolve quickly: the University will communicate on an ongoing basis in order to mitigate the effects, adjust operations, and ensure the safety of the campus community.

Click here to download the pdf.

Important Phone Numbers

• Emergency: 911
• Dispatch: 216.397.1234
• JCUEMS Dispatch: 216.397.1234
• JCUPD Main Office: 216.397.1615
• JCUPD Chief: 216.397.1974
• JCUPD Sergeant: 216.397.4401
• Tip Line: 216.397.1515

Downloads

• Threat Assessment Process
• Emergency Response Guide
• Weather Emergency Plan