H1N1 Questions and Facts

Health Service offers guidance regarding Northwestern response.

September 11, 2009 | by Alan K. Cubbage

The worldwide publicity surrounding the H1N1 influenza pandemic has caused anxiety among the general population and the Northwestern community. Many have asked how the University plans to respond to this infectious threat. Such concerns have been exacerbated by information from a variety of reputable and less reputable sources that is frequently updated, often conflicting, and, at times, simply incorrect. Nonetheless, it is important to keep the current H1N1 pandemic in perspective.

Safeguarding the environment and protecting the public health should be a shared responsibility among Northwestern faculty, staff and students. All may need to make temporary accommodations to respond effectively to this unusual situation. It is in the interest of the entire Northwestern community to do so, as everyone has not only an occupational or academic but also a personal health stake in the outcome. We are all in this together, and we need to take care of one other.

The Health Service has provided a guide with key facts and considerations that inform the University's decision-making in response to the evolving pandemic.