2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine origin) Response
The ECU Emergency Response Team and our Pandemic Planning Group will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as warranted.
In the meantime, incorporate the following habits, which are good general practices and especially important during flu outbreaks, into your routine.
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Monitor the national and local news.
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Review the ECU pandemic plan and consider the need for a more detailed plan in your department
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If you have flu-like symptoms (fever of 100.5, cough, body aches, etc.), please stay home until your fever subsides (for at least 24 hours), don't travel and avoid crowded places.
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Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth until you wash your hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Practice good health habits - get plenty of sleep, exercise, eat nutritious meals, manage stress and drink plenty of fluids.
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When available, make sure to get your seasonal flu and H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations.
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Organize a "flu kit" with:
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Non-Mercury thermometer
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Sanitizing wipes to clean high touch areas such as door knobs, refrigerator handles, kitchen utensils, tabletops, toilets, etc.
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Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen (Tylenol or Advil)
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Cough suppressant and decongestant or a multi-symptom flu relief product
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Easy to prepare comfort foods (soups, pasta, etc.)
Student Health Services and ECU Physicians are treating this situation as seasonal flu outbreak with emphasis on good hand washing practices and masking of coughing patients. Their procedures may change based on information provided by the state and local health officials and their pandemic plans.
The CDC has more information available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.
Prospective Health Pandemic Information page:
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/prospectivehealth/pandemicflu.cfm
Student Health Services page:
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-studentaffairs/studenthealth/
