Friday, May 01, 2009
Human Influenza A information; weekend state hotline open
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The University of Southern Indiana is addressing the possibility of a flu outbreak with caution. The safety and well being of all members of the USI community are the primary concern. While there is currently no cause for alarm in southwestern Indiana, USI is monitoring the situation and will take the necessary steps to inform and protect USI students, staff, and faculty. Toll-free hotline State officals announced toll-free hotline weekend hours for the public who have questions on the North American Human Influenza A (H1N1). The hotline will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday (5/2/09 and 5/3/09). The number is 1-877-826-0011. USI will rely on the CDC and our local health department to keep us apprised of the latest developments and the impact on Vanderburgh County. Steve Woodall, director of Security, and the USI Student Health Center in conjunction with Barry Schonberger, dean of students, will work closely with these groups and continue to communicate critical information to the USI community. Information about the swine flu is available online through a link on the USI Student Health Center page at http://www.usi.edu/studenthealth/. Scroll down the right-side menu to the link, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has prepared guidance on the everyday actions that each of us can take to stay healthy. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, so these simple measures can be of great help. Keep in mind: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. • Anti-viral tissues which kill 99 percent of cold and flu viruses are on the market. • Throw used tissue in the trash. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective. • Try to stay in good health by getting plenty of sleep, being physically active, managing your stress, and drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods. If you start experiencing flu symptoms, you can contact the Student Health Center on campus in the lower level of the Health Professions Center at 812/465-1250. Kathy Funke News and Information Services 812/465-7050 or kfunke@usi.edu |
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