March 9, 2010

From the Georgia Southern University Director and Chief of Medical Staff

Don’t let influenza spoil your plans for Spring Break or make life miserable after Spring Break.

Although H1N1 flu activity has declined in recent weeks, experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the State of Georgia Division of Public Health, and the American College Health Association (ACHA) expect that flu activity — caused by 2009 H1N1 and the coming 2010 seasonal flu virus — will continue into the Spring Semester with anticipated increases due to the beginning of 2010 seasonal flu.

For these reasons, the CDC, ACHA, and Georgia Southern University Health Services continue to encourage all students, faculty and staff at universities and colleges to protect themselves against 2009 H1N1 and the seasonal flu by getting vaccinated.  With the 2010 Spring Break coming up and large numbers of students expected to travel both domestically and internationally, getting vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 influenza and the 2010 seasonal influenza are especially important.

Spring Break is a time for rest, relaxation and fun with friends and family. Take the opportunity to get vaccinated before leaving for Spring Break and protect yourself, friends and family against flu. The 2009 H1N1 and 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine is available to Georgia Southern University students, staff, and retirees at Health Services.  The H1N1 influenza vaccine is free of charge.   The seasonal influenza vaccine is just $5 for students and $13 for faculty, staff, and retirees.  
 
Those diagnosed with influenza are advised to stay in their room or apartment until they have been without fever for 24 hours (without the help of a fever reducer) and to not attend class or campus activities.  We will continue these steps in the Spring Semester to reduce the spread of both the H1N1 influenza and emerging seasonal influenza.
  
Health Services will continue to work with academic and student services departments to verify influenza or influenza like illness where student have been told to avoid class and campus activities. Arrangements will continue as well with Eagle Dining Services for a roommate or close friend to use your Eagle ID Card/Meal Plan to obtain your meals while you are self-isolated in your dorm room or apartment room.   Students seen and treated for influenza or influenza like illness by off-campus providers must inform Health Services or the Dean of Students Office as soon as possible so class faculty can be notified.
  
Tips for Staying Healthy

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or in the absence of a tissue cough or sneeze into your elbow. 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 (60% or higher) hand sanitizer/cleaners are also effective. Hand sanitizer is available at the Health Center and in the Residence Halls.

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Any student who is ill is encouraged to contact Health Services (912-478-5641) or their private physician for diagnosis and treatment. For more about H1N1 and seasonal flu symptoms, prevention, or what to do if you become ill, visit  http://services.georgiasouthern.edu/health   This site is updated regularly as new information becomes available.

Additional information concerning the H1N1 and seasonal influenza can be found at: 
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/      and      http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
Flu FAQ's for Parents and Students  and  http://www.acha.org/general/HHS_ACHA_SpringBreak_letter.pdf

Sincerely,
Paul Ferguson, MA, Director
Brian DeLoach, MD, Chief of Medical Staff
Georgia Southern University Health Services