November 5, 2009 H1N1 Update

To the Immaculata community:
 
            It is important to recognize that we have many individuals among us who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of illness recently. Not everyone has the flu! That being said, there is a small number of people who are undergoing treatment for influenza like illness (ILI).
            We do need to remember simple steps that can be taken to protect ourselves from contracting ILI. These include:
1.      Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand rub to wash hands if soap and water are not available.
2.      Avoid contact with your eyes and mouth as much as possible.
3.      Avoid close contact with individuals who are ill.
4.      If you become ill, the CDC recommends that you stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medications). 
It is important to identify severe symptoms which include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, sudden dizziness, confusion, or persistent vomiting. These symptoms require immediate medical attention!
Influenza like illnesses are spreading throughout the world and Immaculata University will be impacted in some way. Immaculata University continues to work closely with the Chester County Health Department and Pennsylvania Department of Health to provide accurate information and strategies to avoid the spread of illness within our community. It is up to us to use these strategies to protect ourselves and each other from illness to the best of our ability. Please contact Health Services at Ext.3500 with any further questions regarding this topic or refer to the website http://www.flu.gov.
Thank you.
 
Leslie Pavletich, R.N., B.S.N.
Director of Student Health Services