October 13, 2009
Flu Virus H1N1 Alert - Public Service Announcement
As the winter months approach there is a greater likelihood of contracting the influenza virus (flu) or H1N1. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the best protection against the flu and/or H1N1 is to practice good personal hygiene, such as:
- Thorough hand washing with warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue or
- By coughing or sneezing into a bended elbow or sleeve and
- Practice social distancing by staying home away from other if sick
So if you have flu-like symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and fever of 100 degrees or greater, with diarrhea and/or vomiting, more than likely you have a flu virus and/or H1N1.
To help prevent the spread of the flu or H1N1 virus to others, Nevada State Health Division and Nevada State College are asking you to follow these guidelines: (If you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms) ---
- SEEK CARE. Sick students, faculty and staff should seek medical attention from your local health provider.
- SICK, STAY AT HOME. A sick person can expose others to the flu virus up to seven days after they begin to fell ill.
- REST AND STAY HYDRATED. Rest and drink plenty of water and fruit juices.
- AVOID CLOSE CONTACT WITH OTHERS. Avoid cover contact such kissing, sharing toothbrushes or sharing drinks.
- WASH YOUR HANDS. Rub your hands with an alcohol –based hand gel or wash them with soap and warm water right after you sneeze or cough.
- WATCH FOR EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS. Most people should be able to recover at home, but watch for emergency warning signs that indicate you should seek immediate care, such as:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen.
- Sudden dizziness.
- Confusion.
- Severe or persistent vomiting.
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with a more severe cough and fever .
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