Health Watch

This page is designed to provide current information regarding health issues which impact the university community. We will post health alerts and official university advisories here for your convenience. A list of helpful websites is also available here for further reference.

Novel H1N1 Swine Flu Update

Officials are projecting that the Novel H1N1 or Swine flu virus will be particularly widespread. In the university setting, the close proximity of living quarters and the normal interaction of classes, meals and student activities make it impossible to avoid close contact. But normal safety precautions will help you guard against contracting the virus and avoid spreading it to others.

Alcorn's Status

Alcorn's three campuses are all operating under normal conditions. If there is a decision to move to a restricted or limited activity status, students and employees will be notified here and through the ConnectED emergency notification system. If you are not signed up to receive emergency notifications, click here for more information.

Safety Precautions

Here are simple things you can do to avoid catching or spreading the Novel H1N1 or any flu virus:

WASH YOUR HANDS
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT
Limit contact with individuals who are sick, and if you are sick, isolate yourself from others as much as possible.

TREAT SYMPTOMS
Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and take a fever reducer like acetominophen or an NSAID. If your symptoms are severe, or you are at risk for flu complications, you should seek medical attention promptly. 

COVER IT
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your elbow, never into your hands. Toss tissues in the trash after one use.

HIBERNATE
Stay home or in your dorm room unless absolutely necessary. How long should you hibernate? 

How Does the Novel H1N1 Flu Spread?

The Novel H1N1 flu virus is passed among people the same way the regular flu spreads -- through air in droplets when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, laughs or talks. You can also become infected when you touch a surface on which the droplets have landed and then transfer the virus to your eyes, nose, or mouth.

What Are the Symptoms of H1N1 Flu?

Novel H1N1 flu symptoms are about the same as regular flu symptoms. These include:

• Fever, usually higher than 100⁰F, and chills
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Body and muscle aches
• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Tiredness and weakness
• Diarrhea and vomiting

Prevention and Treatment

In addition to the Safety Precautions listed above, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Renlenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with Novel H1N1 flu virus. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

During the current pandemic, the priority use for influenza antiviral drugs is to treat severe illness (for example hospitalized patients) and people who are sick who have a condition that places them at high risk for serious flu-related complications.

For more information call or come by your ON-CAMPUS HEALTH CENTER at 601.877.6460.

Helpful Links

Take a look at some very short, creative PSAs produced for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.youtube.com/usgovhhs

Visit FLU.gov for more vital information
www.flu.gov

The Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/institutions/guidance/

The Mississippi Department of Health
http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/14,0,334.html