H1N1 Influenza Update September 2

September 2, 2009

As of today, a second case of Type A H1N1 influenza has been confirmed at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The student, enrolled in a hybrid class at the Jefferson Davis Campus, is not attending class. Faculty, staff, and other student contacts have been advised. Instructors are requested to assist with follow-up assignments electronically until the student is permitted to return to class.

Please realize that the college is continuing to take steps to prevent the spread of the virus and is monitoring the flu situation. To access future information regarding changes or updates, please visit the college Web site at www.mgccc.edu.

As advised by the CDC, students will not be permitted to return to the campus until 24 hours after the cessation of fever. As noted previously, the college does not anticipate any changes to any campus or center operations or activities. Employees and students are urged to help prevent the further spread of this virus by taking the recommended precautions.

If you are sick with the flu, below are some tips on how to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy.

• Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider’s office.
• Stay in a separate room and avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they are in the room.
• Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
• Contact your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older.
• Contact a healthcare provider right away if you are having difficulty breathing or are getting worse.

Gulf Coast employees and students are advised to continue exercising protective hygiene to avoid illness during the possibly severe upcoming flu season. According to the guidance provided on the Web site http://www.flu.gov, we can help prevent the spread of the virus by the following actions:

Please be reminded to get vaccinated against seasonal flu when vaccine is available in your area. If you are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications you should receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

http://www.pandemicflu.gov
http://www.healthyms.com
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us

Sincerely,

Willis H. Lott, President