H1N1 Flu Update
Nicholls State University continues to monitor the developments of the H1N1 flu. The university will follow the recommendations and guidelines established by the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We are in continuous contact with the Office of Public Health, Region III, Thibodaux, Louisiana and the National Centers for Disease Control regarding any and all updates for the monitoring and treatment of the H1N1 flu.
CDC Interim Recommendations: August 5, 2009
- CDC is not currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gatherings.
- Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have influenza like illness (ILI) should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
- If persons with ILI must leave their home or dorm room (for example, to seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Roommates, household members, or those caring for an ill person should follow guidance developed for caring for sick persons at home.
- Persons who are at high risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions, children less than 5 years, persons 65 years or older, and pregnant women) should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A virus is circulating.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. You can also cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. 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.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
For additional information about the H1N1 flu and Colleges and Universities please visit the Centers for Disease Control website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm
or
Call or visit the Nicholls State University Health Services Office at 985-493-2600