Letter to PLNU parents and guardians from Caye Barton Smith, vice president for student development at PLNU
Handout provided to students on April 29th
General FAQ About Swine Flu
Updated May 11 at 12:30 p.m.
Public health officials are continuing to monitor the ongoing outbreak of swine influenza (swine flu) internationally and in the U.S. As of May 5, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 2,600 cases of swine flu in the United States, including 191 in California. Three deaths have been reported in the U.S.. As of May 7, 51 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in San Diego County. The first two cases were contracted in late March.
According to the CDC, "the World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 5 on April 29, 2009. A Phase 5 alert is a 'strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.'”
PLNU remains in close contact with local health department officials and receives frequent notification of current influenza status from the Emergency Medical Alert Network of San Diego County and the CDC regarding local impact and community response.
Additional Facts/Information about the Swine Flu
- Swine flu is responsive to antiviral medications.
- Symptoms are similar to seasonal influenza, including fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Symptoms may vary in severity.
- Swine flu is not the same as “bird flu" or "avian flu."
- People with swine flu may be contagious as long as they have symptoms and possibly for up to seven days after first becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, may be contagious even longer.
Travel Alert
The CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. All PLNU-sponsored travel to Mexico is postponed until further notice.
PLNU Campus Instructions
- Students who develop flu-like symptoms are encouraged to come to the Wellness Center to determine if they require testing or treatment for their illness. Disposable thermometers are available in the residence halls to help students identify fever as a symptom.
- If a student with flu-like symptoms has a positive test for Influenza A and needs to stay on campus, he or she will be isolated from others students.
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Staff and faculty who are experiencing flu-like symptoms are asked to stay home for a minimum of seven days to avoid exposing others and should consider contacting their healthcare providers.
If you have flu-like symptoms and experience any of the following, you should seek emergency medical care:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest of abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
Tips for Staying Healthy
Students should be taking care of themselves as well as utilizing methods to decrease exposure to viruses. In addition to getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious food, and managing stress, these everyday actions can decrease your risk of getting sick.
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective. Additional hand sanitizers have been purchased and will be placed in high-traffic areas around campus. Please make use of them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you develop flu-symptoms, please call (619) 849-2574 to schedule an appointment with the Wellness Center or visit your personal physician.
*Above information based on recommendations and most recent statistics from EMAN and CDC.
Resources:
Letter to PLNU parents and guardians from Caye Barton Smith, vice president for student development at PLNU
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/key_facts.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance_homecare.htm