September 11, 2009 – Fall Pandemic H1N1 Reminders With Fall just around the corner, Metropolitan State University and MN Department of Health (MDH) officials continue to monitor the H1N1 influenza situation. The infection rate of the virus has decreased during the summer, however, it is starting to increase during the fall season. MDH encourages everyone to receive the seasonal flu vaccine shot this fall. At risk groups are encouraged to also receive the H1N1 vaccine following the seasonal vaccine. I encourage everyone to visit Metropolitan State University's R U READY? pandemic web page at http://www.metrostate.edu/READY/pandemic.html. It has valuable information about precautionary tips as well as links to other pandemic related sites. This site will be updated with the latest news and important information about any affects on university classes, events and activities. This Center for Disease Control (CDC) link http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm is established to educate everyone about the appropriate precautions for protecting yourself and what to do if you, or others, become sick. You will learn how to minimizes your risk of potential exposure, illness, and the spread of influenza. What You Can Do to Stay Healthy. 1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Immediately throw the tissue in the trash. 2. Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. 3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; germs spread with contact. 4. Try to avoid close contact with anyone who is sick and do not come to work if you have flu like symptoms. If You Feel Sick or Have Flu-like Symptoms CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of a 100 or more degrees fever, or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Metropolitan State University would like you to inform your supervisor if you are sick with the following symptoms: fever, headache, extreme tiredness, sore throat, muscle aches, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Faculty and supervisors noticing individuals exhibiting these symptoms within classrooms or work environments should encourage those individuals to go home. Metropolitan State University is aware of the impact that an influenza pandemic could have on our campuses. To prepare, university leaders have worked with local and county officials to create a coordinated operations and response plan. We will continue to monitor all H1N1 influenza developments and keep you informed. Remember that we all play an important role in protecting our own health by taking basic preventative strategies. If you have any suggestions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you. Thomas R. Maida; MPA Director of Public Safety Metropolitan State University 700 E. Seventh St. St. Paul, MN 55106-5000 Office: (651) 793-1725 Fax: (651) 793-1718
[email protected] For Safety and Security Information http://www.metrostate.edu/msweb/resources/depts_services/security/index.html R U READY ? http://www.metrostate.edu/READY/
