Information on the H1N1 Flu Virus

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is carefully monitoring the worldwide situation with the H1N1 flu virus.  Early on Wednesday, April 29, the number of confirmed cases in the United States grew to 91 across 10 states.  That number is expected to increase so it is important that we all have not only current, but factual information as well.  The CDC has established a web page at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/mitigation.htm. Please refer to the Web site for up-to-date information.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

If you develop these symptoms, you should visit with your medical provider.

If you must go into the community (e.g., to seek medical care), wear a face mask to reduce the risk of spreading the virus when you cough, sneeze, talk or breathe. If a face mask is unavailable, you should only go out with a handkerchief or tissues to cover any coughing or sneezing.

When at home, use infection control strategies: (1) frequent hand washing with soap and water, and (2) use alcohol-based hand gels (containing at least 60% alcohol) when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly dirty.
If you have to come into contact with someone who is ill at home, the ill person should wear a face mask.

To help fight swine flu,

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue away.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home if you’re sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If you have specific questions, feel free to contact the following people at Wayne State.  We are all working together to develop various college protocols for dealing with problems that may arise in the future.

Contacts: Curt Frye 375-7213 cufrye1@wsc.edu or Connie Bargstadt in Student Health Services 375-7470 cobargs1@wsc.edu