Health Center Reminds of Steps to Reduce Flu
With all the publicity about the H1N1 influenza, and the concerns about how schools may be impacted this fall, the Truman Student Health Center wants to let the campus know they do have plans in place to reduce the spread of the flu virus.
First, there are educational health care materials in strategic places on campus (residence halls, bathrooms, offices, etc.) promoting disease prevention messages. These messages include the importance of frequent hand washing and staying home from classes or large gatherings when ill. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local public health authorities agree these simple strategies are effective measures to help prevent the spread of influenza.
Current recommendations from the CDC advise students, faculty or staff who have influenza-like illness (fever of 100 degrees or greater, cough and/or sore throat) to “self-isolate” in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever has resolved. Currently, the CDC is not recommending that institutions of higher learning cancel school or dismiss classes or other large gatherings. In the event of confirmed cases of H1N1, or a large number of cases of influenza-like illness on campus, the CDC recommends state and local health officials be consulted to determine the appropriate response. The Student Health Center maintains regular contact with both local and state health officials, who work collaboratively to protect the public health. Additionally, guidelines from the CDC are intermittently updated and Student Health personnel monitor these updates regularly, revising plans as experts’ advice and new information is available.
The Health Center encourages everyone to manage their health by securing appropriate supplies to have in order to prevent and/or treat influenza. Recommended supplies include the following: a thermometer, cough and sore throat medicine, fever reducing medication, tea bags, salt for gargles, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and tissues. Truman students should contact the Student Health Center if they think they have influenza. A protocol is in place to determine who should be seen urgently at the Health Center (individuals with risk factors such as chronic illness, pregnancy, immunosuppressant or prolonged illness) and who can be given advice for appropriate self-care at home.
Any questions or concerns regarding Truman’s public health efforts can be directed to the Student Health Center at 785.4182. Additional information about H1N1 is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or http://www.flu.gov.
First, there are educational health care materials in strategic places on campus (residence halls, bathrooms, offices, etc.) promoting disease prevention messages. These messages include the importance of frequent hand washing and staying home from classes or large gatherings when ill. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and local public health authorities agree these simple strategies are effective measures to help prevent the spread of influenza.
Current recommendations from the CDC advise students, faculty or staff who have influenza-like illness (fever of 100 degrees or greater, cough and/or sore throat) to “self-isolate” in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever has resolved. Currently, the CDC is not recommending that institutions of higher learning cancel school or dismiss classes or other large gatherings. In the event of confirmed cases of H1N1, or a large number of cases of influenza-like illness on campus, the CDC recommends state and local health officials be consulted to determine the appropriate response. The Student Health Center maintains regular contact with both local and state health officials, who work collaboratively to protect the public health. Additionally, guidelines from the CDC are intermittently updated and Student Health personnel monitor these updates regularly, revising plans as experts’ advice and new information is available.
The Health Center encourages everyone to manage their health by securing appropriate supplies to have in order to prevent and/or treat influenza. Recommended supplies include the following: a thermometer, cough and sore throat medicine, fever reducing medication, tea bags, salt for gargles, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and tissues. Truman students should contact the Student Health Center if they think they have influenza. A protocol is in place to determine who should be seen urgently at the Health Center (individuals with risk factors such as chronic illness, pregnancy, immunosuppressant or prolonged illness) and who can be given advice for appropriate self-care at home.
Any questions or concerns regarding Truman’s public health efforts can be directed to the Student Health Center at 785.4182. Additional information about H1N1 is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or http://www.flu.gov.
