September 23, 2009

Dear Faculty and Staff,

In an effort to keep the campus community updated on the latest with H1N1, also known as swine flu, we will be sending out periodic emails and also posting the information on the University's homepage under announcements.  The following is the latest information that we have regarding the H1N1 virus and the Millersville University response.

Eight Cases of Influenza A
H1N1 (also referred to as swine flu) is a virus spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.  To date, Millersville has eight confirmed cases of influenza Type A.  The Lancaster County Health Department and the Pennsylvania State Health Department are no longer testing for H1N1, so while we are assuming these eight cases are H1N1, we don't have a confirmation.

Testing at Millersville:
Students experiencing symptoms of the flu - which include sore throat, cough, fever, muscle aches or headaches, chills and fatigue - are encouraged to call Millersville's Health Services (872-3250) for an appointment.  When a student has been seen by Health Services and diagnosed with the flu, they will be given a letter that they can then present to faculty and others who need to know that information.   The letter will not specify if the student has H1N1 or the seasonal flu.  It will simply state that the student has the flu.

Social Distancing
One of the most important ways to keep from getting the flu is social distancing.  That means staying away from people who appear to have symptoms of the flu and making sure you wash your hands often, even if you're around people who appear healthy. It also means that if you are sick, that you stay home and away from others so that the illness does not spread.  We're hoping that being diligent in caring for ourselves and others will keep our flu season at a minimum this year.  Also remember to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and put the used tissue in the waste basket. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve, but never into your hands or onto bare skin.

New Website
Pennsylvanians now have a new online resource to help them learn about and help control the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.  The website, www.H1N1inPA.com was created by the Department of Health to answer questions and provide the latest news on the virus. The site also outlines simple steps that all Pennsylvanians should take to reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the virus to others.

Thank you,

Millersville's Department of Health Services

Center for Disease Control Information

Prevention Information
For individuals, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/  recommends the following to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu:

• Frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer.
• Getting plenty of rest.
• Managing stress.
• Drinking plenty of fluids.
• Avoiding contact with ill persons.
• When you cough or sneeze, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue).
• After you sneeze or cough, washing your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Avoiding contact with potentially contaminated items such as cups, foods, items or equipment.
• Keeping surfaces such as desks, counter tops, and door knobs clean.

Related Links:

• CDC website about Swine Flu
• MU Health Services

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