Dear Faculty and Staff,
Please allow us to update you on the Novel H1N1 (swine flu) situation and how you can protect yourself and others.
We are now seeing the spread of flu-like illness across Kentucky. It is not likely that this is seasonal flu because the numbers are much higher than they would be for seasonal flu this time of the year. The Franklin County Health Department advised us to assume, for now, that any patient having flu-like symptoms, especially if the rapid flu test is positive for Type A, has the Novel H1N1 strain of influenza.
Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu-like symptoms should not attend work, meetings, classes, or any other public gatherings. Students should practice “self-isolation”, severely curtail their interactions with others except to seek medical care – until at least 24 hours after they no longer display fever symptoms without the aid of fever – reducing medicine. In addition to a fever, symptoms may include chills, cough, body aches, headache, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Anyone with a chronic medical condition, anyone who is pregnant, or anyone with a compromised immune system should take precautions to avoid exposure and is advised to take the H1N1 vaccine if you have the opportunity.
Please remember to:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-hand cleaners are also effective.
You can visit the CDC website for further information. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
Please know that we have a procedure guide that we will use, where appropriate, and follow the directions of the local and state health departments, and the CDC regarding how to address the Novel H1N1 flu. Mary T. Fields, R.N., Student Health Services Director, will provide more information to you periodically.
Information provided was taken from CDC guidelines, Franklin County Health Department, American Association of State Colleges and Universities.