Campus advisory: Health center monitors swine flu

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: 907-474-7778
04/28/09

The UAF Center for Health and Counseling is monitoring the outbreak of swine flu. There have been cases of swine flu in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York City, Ohio and Texas. There have not been any documented cases in Alaska.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends the following preventative measures.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

The CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico. Persons returning from areas with active cases with the above symptoms should contact their health care provider.

If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov.