In a massmail to faculty and staff members and students, Dr. Robert Palinkas, director of McKinley Health Center, stated that public health officials on campus and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza (commonly known as swine flu), which is now being referred to as H1N1.
The outbreak is ongoing. Palinkas noted the symptoms and detailed what people can do to prevent the spread of the flu.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include fever of greater than 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue.
PREVENTION
Avoid contact with ill persons.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you don’t have a tissue), and throw the tissue in a trash can.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, and stay at home.
Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).
On the Web:
- McKinley Health Center
- Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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