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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Huntington University response to H1N1 flu (swine flu)

May 4, 2009

Dear HU Community,

As more developments unfold regarding the threat of swine-related influenza, I want to assure you that we are closely monitoring updates and recommendations from various local, state and federal health organizations.

HU has followed all recommendations the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided for colleges and universities.  We will be tracking any students with flu-like symptoms.  We have reviewed our pandemic response policies, and we have established protocol for testing individuals with flu-like symptoms. 

The best medicine so far appears to be education and prevention.  So I encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website to learn more and to read about the latest national developments: http://www.cdc.gov. 

Officials at all levels of government and other health management agencies caution against panic but encourage us to follow some very common sense precautionary steps.  These include the following:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. 

• If you get influenza-like symptoms, stay home from work or school except to seek medical care and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

To repeat the information provided early last week from our Health Services staff, the symptoms that are associated with this swine related influenza include: fever greater than 100.5, body aches, cough, cold-like symptoms, and some diarrhea and vomiting have been reported. 

As stated, we will continue to monitor the situation and watch for any additional recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies.  If you suspect you may have symptoms like the ones described in this release please see a health care provider or if convenient, please see our campus nurse, Laura Hughes in Health Services, Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9:30 and 3:00.

While health officials so far are characterizing this virus as somewhat mild,  we will continue to take the welfare of each member of our campus community our highest priority.

Ron L. Coffey

Vice President for Student Development

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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