Campus Update: H1N1 Flu Virus (Swine Flu)
Nicholls State University is monitoring the human swine flu outbreak. The university will follow the recommendations and guidelines established by the national Centers for Disease Control.
There are currently no reported cases of human swine flu in Louisiana at this time.
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider or University Health Services located on the first floor of Ayo Hall.
Recommended preventative actions to avoid flu and other communicable diseases:
1) Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2) Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3) Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4) Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6) Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Additional information is available on the Nicholls health services Web site – http://www.nicholls.edu/health/ and the Centers for Disease Control Web site – http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
If this situation escalates, the Nicholls community will be notified.