H1N1 Influenza Update

August 31, 2009

On August 31, 2009, one case of Type A H1N1 influenza has been confirmed at the Jackson County Campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The student is not attending classes, and faculty, staff, and other student contacts have been advised. Instructors are requested to assist with follow-up assignments electronically until the student is permitted to return to class.

The college does not anticipate any changes to any campus or center operations or activities as a result of this development. We continue to urge caution among employees and students to prevent further spread of this virus. The administration is monitoring the situation and will follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updates will be provided regarding any further action which may be necessary.

Gulf Coast employees and students are advised to continue exercising protective hygiene to avoid illness during the possibly severe upcoming flu season. According to the guidance provided on the Web site www.flu.gov, we can help prevent the spread of the virus by the following actions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available. Be sure to wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes. Germs spread this way.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your elbow. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.
• Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean, such as telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, etc.
• Do not use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. If you need to use a co-worker’s phone, desk, or other equipment, clean it first.
• Don’t spread the flu! If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home.
• Symptoms of flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting. CDC recommends that sick workers stay home if they are sick with flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
• Get vaccinated against seasonal flu when vaccine is available in your area. If you are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications you should receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

For more information, see these links:

http://www.pandemicflu.gov
http://www.healthyms.com
http://www.cdc.gov
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us

Sincerely,

Willis H. Lott, President