I received the alert (below) from the CDC and wanted to share it with UCF Today readers. There are links that tell you how to care for someone who has the flu and what to do if you develop symptoms. My own advice at this point is to be on the lookout for flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat, aches and pains and nasal congestion. Some individuals may experience nausea and diarrhea as well.
Please sanitize and wash hands frequently (at least 20 seconds) and refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands have not recently been washed. When you cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue, your arm or hands to prevent the emission of the virus into the air. Then wash your hands and discard the tissue immediately.
If you have the onset of symptoms or do not feel well please consider taking a sick day and stay home and rest. This is good citizenship and will keep the virus from spreading to others.
If we are lucky this will be a “mild epidemic” but at the moment it looks like it may be very serious. It is best for us all to be prepared.
Stay Well,
Deb
Deborah C. German, M.D.
Dean, UCF College of Medicine
FROM THE CDC:
Dear Health Care Professional:
CDC has activated its Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the agency’s response to the swine flu outbreak which has resulted in growing morbidity and mortality. Yesterday the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, declared a public health emergency in the United States. The CDC has issued and updated interim guidance documents in the past 24 hours.
Please consider reading the CDC swine flu guidance (Updated April 26, 2009).
For additional questions, please monitor the CDC Web site for updates.