College taking precautions with H1N1 (swine) flu

Since the beginning of this semester, as we expected, Walker Health Center has seen several cases of influenza-like illness that may be H1N1, or swine flu.  All of these people are recovered or recovering with good care, good hydration, good nutrition and isolation to help the rest of us remain healthy. Most of these students have gone home with their parents to recover. People with the symptoms noted below who also have underlying health problems, noted on this site, should come into Walker Health Center for an exam. Tamiflu is appropriate treatment for influenza-like illness in those with underlying health problems. People without underlying health problems who develop flu-like symptoms may choose to come into Walker Health Center and use the Self-Care Colds and Flu Center to receive information and medication. Please call 312-4100 with questions.                        

Jean Grant ANP, Director

WHAT ARE FLU LIKE SYMPTOMS and HOW DO I DEAL WITH THEM? 

• Dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fever.
• Students with underlying health problems will want to be seen at Walker Health Center or at another health care provider.
• You will be asked to put on a surgical mask at the front door of Walker Health Center as a precaution for other students and our employees.
• If you have such symptoms and are at home your may visit your regular physician.
• If you are not at risk from complications of flu, remain isolated in your room until your fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicines.
• Be sure to drink adequate water and eat nourishing foods.

WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT THE FLU?

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
• Avoid people who are ill.
• Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
• Use tissues when you cough, sneeze or spit, and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve to keep your hands clean.
• Keep hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean shared space such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment more often.
• Refrain from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.
• If you cannot avoid being near a sick person, maintain at least 6 feet of space between you and the person who is ill.

          H1N1 VACCINE CLINICS WILL ALL BE IN SWETMAN GYM IN THE CAMPUS CENTER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Friday, November 13 from 11am to 3pm 
         Monday, November 16, 2009  1:30pm to 5:00pm 
         Tuesday, November 17, 2009 11am to 3pm

   Anyone with asthma, immunosuppression, pregnancy, kidney disease,  heart disease (not hypertension), and neuromuscular disease including MS should be vaccinated in this  first round. Our goal is to vaccinate as many campus members as we can over the next several weeks.

Check our website www.oswego.edu/walker for more information.