Dear Catamount,
Welcome back to campus.
I hope you have had a productive and enjoyable summer. I’m sure you’ve heard continuing stories on the news and perhaps in your community regarding the H1N1 or swine flu. I wanted to let you know that Western Carolina University has been working to prepare for the forecasted resurgence of the H1N1 flu and making plans for how to respond if the flu affects people in our community.
Currently, patients that have experienced this particular strain of flu have symptoms very similar to the regular seasonal flu, and treatment is much the same. The Centers for Disease Control has issued a statement that the expected H1N1 vaccines will be distributed in mid-October, and the University Health Center will administer those vaccines on campus. In the meantime, I want you to be fully aware of how we all can work together to prevent the spread of flu, how to recognize signs that you might have the flu, and how to treat the flu if you were to become ill.
The University Health Center is available to address your health care needs. I encourage you to visit our Web site at studenthealth.wcu.edu or call (828) 227-7640 for more information. We look forward to working with you to ensure that everyone has a healthy and productive fall semester.
Sincerely,
Pam Buchanan
Director, University Health Services
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What You Should Know about H1N1 Flu |
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PREVENTION |
SIGNS/SYMPTOMS |
TREATMENT |
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WASH your hands frequently |
FEVER of more than 100.0° F and Body Aches |
CONTACT the |
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COVER your mouth if you cough or sneeze |
COUGH, Sore Throat and Runny Nose |
ISOLATE yourself from others until at least 24 hours AFTER fever is gone. If possible, go home to recover. If you can’t go home, isolation instructions will be available on campus |
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STAY away from others who might be sick |
NAUSEA, vomiting or diarrhea |
REST and drink fluids |