Health Update

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H1N1 Update
Updated Nov. 12, 2009

Health Services is actively monitoring the H1N1 flu activity on Caldwell College's campus as well as statewide. We have taken the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the flu on Caldwell's campus. We also appreciate the precautions that all of you have taken thus far. We have experienced a modest increase in cases this past week. These cases serve as a reminder to all of us to be vigilant in reacting to flu-like symptoms in an effort to mitigate the spread of infection.

Key Facts about H1N1:

  • H1N1 is spread the same way as the seasonal flu: by contact with infected people who are coughing and sneezing.
  • Signs and Symptoms:
    • Fever (confirmed by thermometer)
    • Cough
    • Sore throat
    • Body aches
    • Headache
    • Chills
    • Fatigue
  • Emergency Warning Signs that need immediate medical attention:
    • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
    • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
    • Sudden dizziness
    • Confusion
    • Severe or persistent vomiting

Common Sense Ways to Control Flu Virus Spread

  • Use good hygiene practices
    • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing with tissue and then place tissue immediately in trash.  If no tissue available, cover nose or mouth with upper sleeve.
    • Clean hands immediately after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
    • Use soap and warm water and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.  If hand washing is not possible, use the hand sanitizers located around the campus. 
    • Always wash your hands before eating.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home from school or work when you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect hard surfaces and items
    • Use disinfectants to clean all hard surfaces especially those used by multiple people.  Follow label instructions carefully when using disinfectants and cleaners.
    • If disinfectants are not available, use a chlorine bleach solution made with 1 tablespoon of bleach to 4 cups of water.
  • Use recommended laundry practices.
  • Use recommended waste disposal practices

Health Services is in communication with local and state public officials in New Jersey and continues to respond to direction and guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As H1N1 continues to infect populations worldwide we want to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are aware of guidelines to follow should they develop or come into contact with individuals exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

What to do:

  • Monitor your temperature. If temperature is 100.5 degrees or higher, isolate yourself and do NOT attend class or come to work.
  • In an effort to control the spread of infection, please do not come to Health Services, but call extension 3319 and speak with a nurse for assistance and a plan of care.
  • Students, faculty, and staff who exhibit flu-like illness are asked to recuperate at home and not to return to campus until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Health Services anticipates receiving a limited quantity of our H1N1 vaccine order within the next week. Notification of flu clinic dates will be done via campus email.
*Please note the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services is overseeing distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine to providers in the state, including Caldwell College. In order to be eligible to receive the vaccine, providers had to agree to distribute vaccinations according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) prioritization guidelines. Please understand that we must strictly adhere to these guidelines.

For more information, below are some helpful links:

Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

 

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