swine flu update
April 27, 2009
Dear Southern Students, Faculty and Staff,
As you are probably aware from reports in the news media, public health officials in the United States and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza (swine flu). At this time, there have been 40 cases confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. All of these individuals have recovered. Public health officials anticipate that there will be additional cases in the United States, quite possibly including cases in New England.
There has been no indication whatsoever that any individual within our campus community has been affected. We are, however, taking prudent steps in the best interest of the health of our students, faculty and staff.
Southern and the Connecticut State University System are in daily communication with the state Department of Public Health and a team is in place on campus to respond to any situation that may develop. We will continue to work closely with Connecticut public health officials and share with the university community any information or guidance we receive. Official information is also available on the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the following links:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
www.cdc.gov./swineflu/mitigation.htm
The following are some practical actions that you can take to stay healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. (Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. )
If you become ill, it is recommended that you limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Should you have any flu-like symptoms (such as fever greater than 101-102 degrees, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body ache, fatigue), it is recommended that you seek medical attention. You may do so by contacting campus Health Services at (203) 392-6300, or your primary healthcare provider. Please be aware that upset stomach, gastrointestinal disorders or diarrhea are not symptoms of swine flu. Treatment medications for swine flu are effective for up to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms.
The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are paramount, and I urge everyone to use common sense and appropriate precautions. I will continue to provide you with updates as they become available.
Dr. Cheryl J. Norton
President
