Health Services H1N1 Update 11/21/2009
While the severity of flu outbreaks during the fall and winter of 2009-2010 are unpredictable, TSTC staff and our Health Services department are working closely with the local health departments to monitor the spread of flu and the severity of the illness.
Education is the key to preventing the spread of seasonal flu and H1N1. We have included a few tips to help you and your family stays healthy.
Symptoms of flu include:
- fever or chills and cough or sore throat.
- runny nose
- body aches
- headache
- tiredness
- diarrhea, and/or vomiting
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- When you can't wash your hands, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- tiredness
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
What should you do if you get sick?
- Stay home.
- CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication.)
- Limit your exposure to other people.
- If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
How can you help with our Health Advisory System?
- If you are experiencing flu like illness please send an email message to joni.coons@sweetwater.tstc.edu letting us know you are ill. (We will not share your personal information with anyone. We will simply use the information to make the best possible decisions regarding health advisories to our students and employees at TSTC West Texas.)
If you have questions please call Joni Coons at 325-235-7418 or email me at joni.coons@sweetwater.tstc.edu.
