Health Update: Influenza A (H1N1/Swine Flu)

Campus Update (11/18/09):

Memos and letters sent to campus community

Letter to Students   Memo to Teaching Faculty

Campus Update (10/19/09):

Memos and letters sent to campus community

Letter to Students from President Kleniewski
Memo to Teaching Faculty
Memo to Faculty and Staff from President Kleniewski

Campus Update (09/18/09):

Memos and letters sent to campus community

Letter to Students from President Kleniewski
Letter to Parents, Family and Friends of SUNY Oneonta Students from President Kleniewski
Memo to Teaching Faculty from Provost Larkin
Memo to Faculty and Staff from President Kleniewski

Campus Update (09/03/09):

The Health Center is closely monitoring the recent reports of human cases of Influenza A (H1N1) throughout the world. While there have been no cases of H1N1 (formerly referred to as swine flu) among SUNY Oneonta students, the H1N1 virus has been identified in surrounding communities. The Health Center will continue to work with federal and local public health agencies and SUNY Oneonta administration to allow us to be as proactive as possible in addressing this public health issue.

For more information, visit the Health Center's website.

Update on CDC Information (08/27/09):

SUNY has been sharing information with all the campuses and here are the latest items:
As we start the new academic year,  Much has been learned about the virus over the past few months and effective strategies are available for limiting its spread.  Still, it is important that we share information about our planning efforts to promote the health on our campus.

With that in mind I would like to share a few important links with you regarding CDC guidance about H1N1 on campus:

• The CDC has recently issued new guidance for institutions of higher education, which includes recommended actions that should be taken now and suggests strategies to consider in the future if the flu starts causing more severe disease.  The guidance document can be found at: http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/higheredguidance.html.
  
  
• http://www.suny.edu/swineflu/

Community Relations Office

Campus Update (06/12/09):

To the Campus Community,

While there is evidence of additional cases of swine flu in New York State, the local area is still considered low risk. To our knowledge, there are no cases on campus. In Otsego County there have been six mild cases of the swine flu, no schools or businesses have been closed as a results of these treated cases. Travel to other parts of the state may increase the likelihood of exposure, especially when travel is combined with large group contact. Given the approaching end of the semester and finals, the College recommends that students, faculty and staff limit travel to essential trips only, limit contact with large groups of people, avoid contact with sick people, wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizers.

Health Center

Campus Update (04/29/09):

To the Campus Community,

While there is evidence of additional cases of swine flu in New York State, the local area is still considered low risk. To our knowledge, there are no cases on campus. Travel to other parts of the state may increase the likelihood of exposure, especially when travel is combined with large group contact. Given the approaching end of the semester and finals, the College recommends that students, faculty and staff limit travel to essential trips only, limit contact with large groups of people, avoid contact with sick people, wash hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizers.

Health Center

Campus update (04/27/09):

To the College Community,

Eight people have been diagnosed with swine flu in the Queens/New York City area. It is believed that these cases are a result of recent travel to Mexico. The strain of swine flu that has been found in NYC is highly contagious but relatively mild and no deaths have resulted. Symptoms include fever/chills, body aches, sore throat and coughing.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is concerned about this outbreak because there have been several deaths in Mexico related to it. The swine flu is a viral illness usually found in pigs but can be passed on to humans. The CDC is making it a priority to monitor its progression because it is now being transmitted from human to human. Currently there is no pandemic alert. There have been no cases seen at the Student Health Center at SUNY Oneonta.

American citizens are being advised to practice good hygiene: wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth if you are coughing/sneezing, and do not attend public events if you are sick. If anyone is having severe symptoms, has recently traveled to Mexico, or is immunocompromised, it may be necessary to get a prescription for an antiretroviral. Call your health care provider or Student Health Center x3573 if you have any questions.

Ricky O'Donnell, Health Center

What can you do?

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

• Avoid close contact.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Influenza Symptoms

Influenza (commonly called the "flu") is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. The information below describes common flu symptoms, how to protect yourself and those close to you from getting the flu, and what to do if you get sick with flu-like symptoms.

Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Tiredness (can be extreme)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
  

Having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu. Many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.

More information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Current WHO phase of pandemic alert

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