Fr: Lynne Schaefer, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Because we have received questions about the campus response to the current swine flu health alert, we want to provide this additional update to the UMBC community. While we currently do not have a confirmed swine flu case on campus, University Health Services is encouraging students, faculty and staff to take preventive measures and learn about flu symptoms and treatment.
Fr: Lynne Schaefer, Vice President for Administration and Finance
Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee
Because we have received questions about the campus response to the current swine flu health alert, we want to provide this additional update to the UMBC community. While we currently do not have a confirmed swine flu case on campus, University Health Services is encouraging students, faculty and staff to take preventive measures and learn about flu symptoms and treatment.
Information about this disease is changing rapidly, and we recommend that you regularly check the Web sites below for the most up-to-date information.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
CDC recommendations are listed below.
The State of Maryland official web site, hosted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:
www.governor.maryland.gov/flu/index.html
UMBC University Health Services :
www.umbc.edu/uhs/healthalerts.html
UMBC’s campus wide Emergency Management Committee will continue to meet and monitor the situation. The Committee will manage communications and coordinate any medical response or changes in scheduling and the use of facilities. This includes having a pandemic flu plan in place and remaining in close contact with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which will take the lead in responding to such health threats.
It’s normal to become concerned as a possible pandemic is threatening. To read about how to handle your feelings and concerns during this time, visit www.umbc.edu/uhs/ManagingYourAnxietyAboutSwineFlu.htm.
Please know we will do everything we can to keep the UMBC community informed and safe. We will continue to share updates with the campus. Current information is also available at the University Health Services Web site: www.umbc.edu/uhs/healthalerts.html.
If you have a question or concern, please call the Division of Student Affairs at 410-455-2393 or University Health Services at 410-455-2542 and press “1.”
How can I prevent getting the flu?
-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve (not your hands). Throw the tissue into the trash after you use it.
-Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze and before eating. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
-Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
What are the symptoms?
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
-Fever (above 101 degrees)
– Headache
-Tiredness (can be extreme)
-Cough
-Sore throat
-Runny or stuffy nose
– Body aches
-Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
What happens if I get sick?
Most people have recovered from the flu without complications but it is important to take action to minimize risks. If you have flu symptoms:
-Stay home from work or school.
– Get lots of rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid using alcohol and
tobacco.
-Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may relieve symptoms of flu (but never give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, particularly fever).
-While serious illness from the seasonal flu is more likely in certain people 65 and older, pregnant women, people with certain chronic medical conditions and young children, we recommend that all individuals treat symptoms seriously until more is known about this virus.
-Consult your doctor early for the best treatment, but also be aware of emergency warning signs that require urgent medical attention.
Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.
If you have any of these symptoms, please stay home from class or work, limit contact and take precautions to avoid infecting others. If you are a caregiver for family members with symptoms, please do not bring them to campus. Stay home to give them care.
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