Health Alert: Texas State response to H1N1 flu

Posted by University News Service
May 15, 2009

Updates:
Texas State University: No confirmed cases. Two suspected cases of H1N1 flu. Both cases had a positive rapid flu test for influenza A. Confirmation of these cases is pending testing at a Department of State Health Services lab. For information on H1N1 case definitions, visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/casedef.htm . Texas State has conducted 117 rapid flu tests—only two have been positive for influenza A. Both students that tested positive had mild illness. The latest date of onset of illness was 5/1/09.

San Marcos: No confirmed cases of H1N1.

Texas: New cases of H1N1 are being confirmed (http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm )

United States: New cases of H1N1 are being confirmed (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/)

Class & Exam Information:
Final exams continue as scheduled.

Travel Advisory:
Avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico at this time (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFlu.aspx)

Texas State University H1N1 Flu Hotline:
For questions concerning H1N1 flu, please call 245-2424.

Texas State University Emergency Response:
Prevention measures were implemented throughout the university. Educational flyers and posters were distributed on campus. Dining halls were serving students instead of allowing self-service. Sick students and employees were instructed to stay home. Disinfectant cleaning was increased in high-touch areas. Availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers was expanded across campus. The Student Health Center continues to work with the county health department, city of San Marcos, and the Department of State Health Services to maintain surveillance and testing for H1N1 flu.

Flu Symptoms:

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu and may include fever > 100°F, body aches, runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Persons developing such symptoms should seek medical attention. Students may call the Student Health Center at 245-2167 for information on self-care or for an appointment. Faculty and staff members with symptoms should contact their private physicians.

General Flu Precautions:

To prevent the spread of H1N1 flu, members of the campus community should follow these recommendations:

Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your arm sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Do not reuse tissue.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid others with respiratory illnesses
If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.

       For more information about H1N1 flu and precautions to take, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

      Texas State Employee Information:
      For information about H1N1 flu leave and workplace policies, visit the Texas State Human Resources page here: www.hr.txstate.edu/Memo/Swine-Flu-Leave-and-Workplace-Policies.html