The state of Alaska department of Health and Social Services continues to report new cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Anchorage and across the state. The UAA community is similar to the Anchorage community in many ways. Since members of the Anchorage community are testing positive for this virus, it is likely that members of the UAA community are also testing positive. UAA’s Campus Response Team (CRT) would like to remind you of the importance of keeping yourself well by following precautions.
Prevention To help prevent the spread of the seasonal flu and/or Swine Flu:
- 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.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Symptoms - 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.
Home Care - Keep away from others as much as possible. Don’t share drinking glasses or eating utensils (this is to keep others in your household from getting sick)
- Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone (fever should be gone without use of any medication)
- Get plenty of rest
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated (water, broth, electrolyte beverages)
- Cover coughs and sneezes. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing, sneezing or using a tissue.
- If available and tolerable, wear a face mask when with other members of the household, especially if they are at high risk (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).
Most cases of flu are mild and require only home care. However, if you develop any of the following, the UAA Student Health and Counseling Center recommends you seek medical care:
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Purple or blue discoloration of lips
- Vomiting or unable to keep liquids down
- Dizziness, no urination, lack of tears in infants (signs of dehydration)
- Seizures, uncontrolled convulsions
- Confusion, less responsive than normal
Seasonal Influenza Vaccinations - UAA’s Student Health and Counseling Center is offering 2009 seasonal flu shots for $15 at a walk-in flu clinic each day this week from 8:30-11:30 a.m. These are not the H1N1 (Swine) flu vaccine, which is not available at this time. Students, staff, faculty and the public are eligible for this service. Students may schedule an appointment. Participants must be 18 years or older.
The CRT is closely monitoring the situation. For additional information, including links to other health-related sites, visit
www.alaska.edu/risksafety/alerts/, or the state of Alaska Health and Social Services Epidemiology Web site at
http://www.epi.hss.state.ak.us/id/influenza/swineflu.htm.
