In an email to the entire University yesterday, Dr. Sacared Bodison, Director of the University Health Center, confirmed a case of swine flu on the College Park campus--see below for the email sent to faculty, students and staff.
Dr. Bodison recommends that "[if] you have flu-like symptoms, including a fever over 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) AND cough, sore throat, or runny nose or stuffiness, then stay home and CALL your physician." It's also recommended that those with questions call the University Health Center.
See below for the email, and go here for a swine flu fact sheet provided by the Maryland Cooperative Extension.
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To the University Community:
A case of H1N1 (Swine) Flu has occurred in a university employee who has since recovered. A second person is ill with an influenza-like illness and, as a precaution, is currently recovering at home. Both employees work in Tydings Hall. The public areas potentially affected have since been cleaned and disinfected.
The H1N1 virus spreads in the same way that seasonal flu spreads - primarily from person-to-person contact and through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. People may occasionally become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has advised health care professionals to treat H1N1 in the same way that seasonal flu cases are handled. The following are CDC recommendations:
If you have flu-like symptoms, including a fever over 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) AND cough, sore throat, or runny nose or stuffiness, then stay home and CALL your physician.
If you are mildly sick with flu-like symptoms, STAY HOME and recover. You should be more seriously concerned if you have the following worrisome WARNING SIGNS:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
You can minimize any risk of catching the virus by following some common sense precautions:
- Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use.
- Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
- Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness.
If you are concerned about your work environment, a household disinfectant can be used to wipe down commonly touched areas like work stations, counter tops, door knobs, and bathroom surfaces.
For more information about H1N1 flu visit: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or call the University Health Center for specific questions at 301-314-8184.
Sacared Bodison, MD
Director
University Health Center
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