News
College Monitors Spread of Swine Flu
Thursday, April 30th, 2009
As you know, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified on the United States mainland. As of April 30, 2009, several probable cases of swine flu have also been identified in the State of Washington. The Seattle Community College District and NSCC administrators are closely monitoring the situation and per the district's influenza pandemic response plan, a district-wide pandemic team has met to discuss issues related to this potential pandemic. Responses to the anticipated questions of students and employees are being prepared and will be distributed as soon as they are available. In the meantime, health officials recommend taking the following precautions:
Help Stop the Spread of Germs
Keep the germs away:
- Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.
- Don't share things like towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
- Don't share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.
Keep your germs to yourself:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
- Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.
- Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Wash hands often if you are sick.
- Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.
- Try to stay home if you have a cough and fever.
- Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.
- If asked, use face masks provided in your doctor's office or clinic's waiting room. Follow office or clinic staff instructions to help stop the spread of germs.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
For more information about the swine flu, visit the SCCD emergency preparedness Web pages at http://www.seattlecolleges.com/pandemic_flu.aspx
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