Message to Students, Faculty and Staff About H1N1 (Swine Flu)
The federal government on April 26, 2009, declared a public health emergency after several cases of Swine Flu were confirmed in the United States. There have been no confirmed cases at IIT or in the State of Illinois. IIT along with public agencies in Chicago and across the country have been preparing for the potential of a pandemic for several years; this is not yet a pandemic.
A Communicable Disease Response Plan is in place by the university and Student Health Services. We are actively monitoring the situation on campus and across the country; we will keep you informed of any need for heighted concern.
Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A Influenza Virus. Human infections can and do happen. Signs and symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to symptoms of regular influenza A&B. They include fever, cough, sore throats, headaches, chills and fatigue.
The spread of Swine flu occurs through contact with an animal or human with Swine Flu; it is spread mainly through coughing or sneezing by an infected person, it is not spread by food.
To protect yourself from getting sick:
1. Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
2. Throw the tissue away after you’ve used it.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after coughing or sneezing; you may also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
4. Avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
If you become ill stay away from others; stay home. Cases so far have been mild and treatment with medication has been effective.
Helpful links:
Federal Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine
City of Chicago Swine Flu Information
http://egov.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_ATTACH/Swine_Flu_F_A_Q.pdf
Article: Managing Your Anxiety About H1N1 (Swine Flu)
http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194
Please contact Student Health Services with concerns or to schedule an appointment 312.567.7550
Kathy Morgan APN Joleen Mrdak
Director of Clinical Services