Flu Advisory
A Message to Pacific Students, Faculty, Staff and Family Members Regarding the Swine Flu Outbreak
Over the weekend U.S. health officials declared a state of emergency associated with the emergence and spread of a new strain of the swine flu. This variation of the swine flu has the capability for transmission between humans. Cases are now confirmed around the world, including in California. There are suspected cases in the Sacramento region.
The current concern over the swine flu outbreak provides the opportunity for an important reminder regarding precautions to prevent the spread of diseases transmitted by respiratory droplets. All types of influenza are spread through contact with respiratory fluids either when a susceptible person is in close contact with the ill person or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's own eyes, nose or mouth. Individuals who may have recently traveled to Mexico, New York, Texas or San Diego and Imperial counties in California should take particular precautions and seek advice from a healthcare provider.
If you have any flu-like illness that involves a fever, cough, congestion, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting, you should stay home until symptoms resolve. Individuals with symptoms may be contagious for at least seven days following the onset of illness. You should consider seeking medical advice as there are several antiviral drugs available for treatment if started during the early phases of the illness. These treatments can lessen the effects of the flu.
Students with symptoms may obtain an appointment at Cowell Wellness Center (209.946.2315), Health Services, or a referral to Saint Joseph's Medical Group of Stockton (3132 March Lane, Suite 5, 209.475.5500). This applies to all students in Stockton and Sacramento. The San Francisco campus has issued its own campus instructions. Faculty and staff members with symptoms should contact their medical care provider.
Routine precautions for preventing the spread of influenza include:
- 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.
From: Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs Fact Sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For more information about the Swine Flu outbreak, visit the following online resources: Center for Disease Control and Prevention, California Department of Public Health, San Joaquin County Public Health Services, Sacramento County Department of Health and Human Services, University of the Pacific's Flu page.
