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H1N1 Update
Young Harris College Responds to Flu Season and the H1N1 Flu Virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a growing number of H1N1 flu cases in humans in the United States. Overall influenza activity is currently decreasing across the U.S., but there are areas wehre outbreaks continue. Clusters of H1N1 influenza have been documented in summer camps in Georgia - particularly in the north Georgia mountains. Public health officials are predicting that the H1N1 flu activity will increase dramatically this fall and will be co-mingled with cases of the seasonal flu.
Young Harris College Health Services is monitoring the situation and working closely with our district public health system and the CDC to keep up with recommendations for prevention, testing and treatment guidelines. We will keep you informed via this website and email notices if H1N1 flu becomes a greater concern in the local communities or on campus.
Flu Vaccinations>>
Frequently Asked Questions>>
Preventative Tips >>
Faculty and Staff Guidelines>>
Resources>>
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to regular seasonal flu and include:
- Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and general weakness (usually sudden onset)
- Some people have also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with the H1N1 infection.
These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. While most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths from infection with this virus have occurred.
Protect Yourself
- Beginning now - boost your immune system by eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid putting toxic substances (such as tobacco, alcohol or illicit drugs) into your system.
- Plan regular moderate exercise into your schedule and get plenty of sleep.
- Wash your hands often (especially after you cough or sneeze). Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds (hint: sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself twice) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Practice good cough etiquette by sneezing or coughing into your elbow (rather than your hand) or using a tissue. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands afterward.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Frequently clean things that are touched often like door handles, telephones, keyboards, etc.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. People infected with seasonal and novel H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from one day before getting sick to five to seven days after.
- Get a seasonal flu shot and H1N1 flu shots when available.
All members of the Young Harris College community who experience influenza-like symptoms are encouraged to immediately contact Linda Kniess, RN, in YHC's Health and Wellness Services at (706) 379-5160 or lkniess@yhc.edu so that we can help you obtain appropriate medical care in the local community and so that an emerging outbreak can be identified and appropriate actions taken.
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