HEALTH  ALERT

SWINE FLU

Daily Updates

Please be aware that Prairie View A&M University Administrators are staying abreast of the current situation regarding swine flu.  We will remain informed to ensure that you have accurate information.  It is important that you receive information from reputable sources.  In this case the most reliable resources are Center for Disease Control (CDC) , World Health Organization (WHO) and Texas Department of State Health Service.

As of this morning, there are two confirmed cases of swine flu in Texas. We will update this information on a daily, via email alerts.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• 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 with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with soap and water. or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner. We recommend that when you wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- that you wash for 15 to 20 seconds. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands. (Warning: Alcohol based sanitizers are flammable use caution and allow hands to dry before handling any ignitable sources)

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where swine influenza cases have been identified and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.

If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

For additional information you may contact:

• Prairie View A&M University
  Health & Counseling Services
  healthandcounseling@pvamu.edu
  www.pvamu.edu/healthcenter

• Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
  http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/

• Center for Disease Control (CDC)
  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

• World Health Organization (WHO)
  http://www.who.int/en/

• PVAMU Environmental Health & Safety
  EHS@pvamu.edu
  www.pvamu.edu/EHS