h1n1 (Swine) flu Info
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K-State takes precautions to ensure student stay safe amid the global H1N1 (Swine Flu) breakouts.
The following message was sent to all students by Dr. Pat Bosco, Vice President for Student Life/ Dean of Students on April 30, 2009 to inform students of precautionary measures regarding the H1N1 (Swine) Flu.
Dear K-State Students,
As you are probably aware, the Kansas Department of Health and
Environment (KDHE) announced that two cases of swine flu have been
confirmed in Kansas involving two adults residing in the same household
in Dickinson County. Neither of the patients was hospitalized - one is
still ill and being treated, and one is recovering.
One of the patients had recently traveled to Mexico, flying in and out
of Wichita. Both persons work in Saline County and became ill with the
same new (H1N1) strain of swine flu that has been identified in Mexico,
California, Texas, Ohio and New York City.
If you traveled to Mexico during spring break, you have nothing to worry
about. The incubation period for swine flu is up to seven days. At this
time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends
that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Changes
to this recommendation will be posted at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/.
K-State students who are scheduled to participate in summer or fall
study abroad programs in Mexico should contact K-State's Study Abroad
office at 532-5990.
K-State has in place a pandemic influenza plan that lays out steps that
could be taken, if needed, by university officials should the CDC and
the World Health Organization (WHO) declare that there is a flu
pandemic.
University officials continue to actively monitor the local, regional,
national and worldwide swine flu situation.
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to symptoms of
seasonal flu and include:
Fever greater than 100 degrees
Body aches
Coughing
Sore throat
Respiratory congestion
In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting
Students who experience the above symptoms should go to Lafene Student
Health Center at 1105 Sunset, or call Lafene at 532-6544.
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. As
with any influenza virus, individuals are encouraged to take the
following steps to reduce spread:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid
touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to classmates and
friends. The Office of Student Life or your college's dean's office can
help notify faculty when students miss class for illness.
If you are feeling ill with flu-like symptoms, cough or sneeze into your
elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues.
Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and
getting adequate rest and exercise.
For more information regarding swine flu, go to:
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
For additional information, go to:
http://www.kdheks.gov/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
http://www.who.int/en/
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Office
of Student Life at 785-532-6432.
With best regards,
Pat J. Bosco, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students