SCE

The Swine Flu outbreak has been identified as a federal public health emergency that, in the words of our President, is “cause for concern” but “not a cause for alarm.” Please treat this situation with the balanced seriousness it requires. Be cautious and be prepared.

To help you be cautious, tips from our campus Health Centers for reducing your risk of illness are re-printed here. Mary Lou Giska, FNP, Cypress College Director of Health Services, reported that our local health department has asked us to be on the lookout for people with fever and cough or sore throat. These people should be advised to contact a primary care provider or campus Health Services for evaluation. This is important as influenza is thought to spread through coughing and sneezing of ill people. Ms. Giska also advises us that “the best” thing we can do to avoid transmission is to wash our hands for at least 30 seconds with soap and water. (Thirty seconds is about how long it takes to sing “Happy Birthday.”)

Follow up:

We have been working hard in our District to prepare for situations represented by a flu epidemic. In fact, Cypress College participated in a community pandemic drill last academic year. I am confident that we have the ability to diminish the threat of this situation. Let’s be cautious and let’s be prepared.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Illness

From Cypress & Fullerton Colleges Health Centers

1. Avoid close contact with others who are ill.
2. Stay home when you are ill.
3. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
4. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
5. Wash your hands before preparing food.
6. Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the bathroom.
7. Use an alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer between hand washing.
8. Maintain a good diet, be physically active, and get plenty of sleep.

More Information:

ochealthinfo.com

cdc.gov/swineflu/