|
H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information
from Midland College
During this period of raised awareness about the H1N1 (swine) Flu, Midland College wants to ensure that students and employees are kept informed. Midland College officials are maintaining close communications with the Midland County Health Department.
Preventive Measures
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health officials, the following preventive measures can be taken to help protect yourself and others from 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 hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you get sick, see a doctor and stay home from work or school, limiting contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Symptoms
According to the CDC, the symptoms of H1N1 Flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu. These symptoms include:
- fever
- lethargy
- lack of appetite
- coughing
Some people with the H1N1 Flu have also reported:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
As a reminder, the Travel Alert from the U.S. State Department, relating to the 2009-H1N1 influenza outbreak is no longer in effect, following an announcement from the CDC lifting its own recommendation that American citizens avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
Also, the CDC reports that Swine Flu viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get Swine Flu from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
We encourage you to take a moment and review these two informational links on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website regarding the H1N1 (swine) Flu:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm
Another valuable resource is the Texas Department of State Health Services website, which is updated with the number and locations of cases reported:
www.dshs.state.tx.us/txflu/
|
