Protecting yourself against flu

While there are NO reported or suspected cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) on the Wheaton College campus, the recent reports about several cases in Massachusetts presents an opportunity to remind students, faculty and staff about the steps each person should take to guard against the flu and other communicable diseases.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following information and instructions:

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

* Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Students experiencing flu like symptoms (such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue) should contact Norton Medical Center (NMC) at 508.286.5400 and ask to speak with the triage nurse.

Wheaton's Student Health Services Coordinate, Cynthia Maricle is available at NMC to help with any health services questions or concerns. She can be reached at 508.286.8210 or by email maricle_cynthia@wheatonma.edu.

The events regarding this outbreak are evolving rapidly. Wheaton's administrators will continue to watch this situation closely and keep the campus community informed of important developments.

Massachusetts residents can now call (2-1-1) for basic information about swine flu. More information on swine flu can be found on the following web site:

Swine Flu Fact Sheet
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/swine_flu.pdf

Massachusetts Swine Flu Information:
http://mass.gov/dph

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Blog
http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/

U.S. CDC Swine Influenza Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/

WHO Swine Influenza information
http://www.who.int/en/