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Dear Rose-Hulman students,
The World Health Organization has raised the swine
flu alert to its highest level, saying the Novel H1N1 virus has spread
to enough countries to be considered a global pandemic. Increasing the
alert to Phase 6 does not mean that the disease is deadlier or more
dangerous than before, but instead indicates that it has spread
worldwide.
We urge all students to take precautions against
the spread of the communicable disease and avoid travel to infected
areas. We are closely monitoring the situation and, at this time there
is no indication of any imminent local emergency.
If you think you have the flu, or if you have flu
like symptoms, the best things you can do is stay home and contact the
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Student Health Service or your own
medical provider and ask for instructions. Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology students may contact the student health service at
812-877-8367.
The worst thing you could do is attend a class if
you are truly sick. Alert your professor and ask to be excused. You may
need to provide a medical release upon returning.
Basic flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore
throat, fatigue, chills and body aches. Seek emergency care immediately
if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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Difficulty breathing or shortness
of breath
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Pain or pressure in the chest or
abdomen
-
Sudden dizziness
-
Confusion
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Severe or persistent vomiting
Most cough, cold and flu viruses are thought to be passed from person to
person by contact with respiratory droplets.
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Contact can occur by direct bodily
contact (such as kissing) or
touching something with virus on it (such as shaking hands with
someone who has the flu) and then touching your mouth,
nose or eyes.
- Respiratory droplets are generated by a person coughing or sneezing
and can be propelled right into your eyes, nose or mouth
over short distances.
Adults may be able to infect
others beginning one day before getting symptoms and up to one week
after getting sick. Children can be infectious even longer,
sometimes up to several weeks. That means that
you can give someone the flu
before you know you're sick as well as while you are sick.
To prevent spread:
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or
mouth.
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Cough into your sleeve or a tissue
to avoid spreading germs. Do not cough into your hands.
Dispose of tissues in a wastebasket.
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Wash your hands with soap under
warm running water for 20 seconds and rinse your hands
well. If soap and water are not available, use an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Rub the sanitizer in your
hands until they are dry.
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Dry your hands using a paper towel
or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn
off the faucet and turn the knob on the door handle.
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Avoid contact with people who are
ill.
If you know of anyone who has flu like symptoms,
urge them to contact their health-care provider. Also let others know
like residence hall assistants and leaders in fraternities and
sororities so they can help.
Monitoring future bulletins and directives from our
state and local health agencies is ongoing and we will alert you to any
changes that may be necessary based upon our local Novel H1N1
experience.
Sincerely,
Robert S. Hojnicki, D.O.
Campus Physician
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
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