As November approaches, so does the flu season, including the H1N1 virus. With the first cases of this virus now confirmed among campus residents, we want members of the Saint Vincent College community to know that we have been planning for this outbreak since early last summer when the college appointed a task force to prepare for cases on campus.

If you live in a building with someone who has the flu, it is important that you take precautions to minimize the likelihood of further transmission of the illness. Social distancing (staying away from the sick individual) will help you stay well. To catch the flu you must be in contact with droplets from a sick person’s nose or throat.

If you suspect you have the flu and are able to go home to recuperate, please do so. Remember, not every sore throat, cough or congestion is H1N1 flu. Bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold are also prevalent at this time of year. If you do not feel well – fever, chills, body aches, sore throat, cough, headache – isolate yourself and treat the symptoms of this viral illness. Rest, Tylenol or Advil for fever and body aches, and fluids are the best things to manage the flu. Remember, if you are a student and are sick, do not attend class until you are better. Please contact your professors and make arrangements for any material or examinations that you may miss because of illness.

We all need to take preventative steps to minimize the risk of spreading H1N1 or other illnesses, such as: good handwashing and personal hygiene; covering a cough or sneeze with a sleeve; and, avoiding contact with individuals who are ill. It also is important that we do all we can to stay healthy. Eating nutritious foods, getting 7-8 hours of sleep each night, exercising regularly, and managing stress are all ways to stay healthy.

At this time, the H1N1 vaccine continues to be manufactured and distributed, but it is not available in all areas of the country. The College is in contact with health officials in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and has expressed our interest in getting the vaccine as soon as it is available. The Wellness Center had a seasonal flu vaccine clinic on Oct. 1. If you didn’t get your seasonal flu shot at that time, you can check with a physician’s office or local pharmacy to obtain that vaccine. For specific tips or updates on coping with the flu, visit the Wellness Center web site at http://www.stvincent.edu/wellness/flu. If you want more information on H1N1, you can access the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

If anyone has questions about H1N1 or other flu symptoms, emergency warning signs, use of hand sanitizers or antibacterial wipes, etc., please call the Wellness Center at ext. 2115 or visit http://www.stvincent.edu/wellness.

We are confident that all members of the Saint Vincent College community will take the proper precautions during the flu season and be up to the challenges that the flu season and the H1N1 virus pose. Thank you for your full cooperation.

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