Campus Swine Flu Update - Thursday, April 30th
Special to The Colonnade
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: Campus News
Georgia College has activated its Emergency Response Team to monitor the current Swine Flu outbreak that has affected some parts of the nation. At this point, no cases of swine flu have been reported in Georgia and the decision to activate our response team has been made only as a precautionary measure. In addition to its continuous monitoring of the situation, the team has been in touch with regional health officials.
Today, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the country.
Unfortunately, most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases and more hospitalizations are expected in the coming days and weeks. However, symptoms of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus appears to be mitigated by the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. Stockpiles of these medications are being distributed to all 50 states. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
At this point, Georgia College plans to continue normal operations and regular class schedules through the end of the academic year, which is only a week away.
In the meantime, students, faculty and staff are advised to take the following simple, common sense steps to help keep themselves and others healthy:
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
Today, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation's first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the country.
Unfortunately, most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases and more hospitalizations are expected in the coming days and weeks. However, symptoms of the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus appears to be mitigated by the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. Stockpiles of these medications are being distributed to all 50 states. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.
At this point, Georgia College plans to continue normal operations and regular class schedules through the end of the academic year, which is only a week away.
In the meantime, students, faculty and staff are advised to take the following simple, common sense steps to help keep themselves and others healthy:
Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
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