Flu season is approaching – take precautions

California State University, Fresno’s Department of Risk Management and Sustainability and University Health and Psychological Services (Student Health Center) are preparing for what could be a challenging flu season during the 2009-10 academic year.

Fresno State officials have been monitoring the situation throughout the summer break to be ready for the beginning of classes Aug. 24. The campus community will be kept informed as developments warrant.

When the seasonal flu vaccine becomes available, it will be offered to students at the Student Health Center. Notice was sent to faculty and staff on Friday, Aug. 7, urging them to see their health care providers for seasonal flu vaccinations.

As the Novel H1N1 vaccine becomes available, Fresno State will partner with the Fresno County Public Health Department to provide vaccinations to those in the highest-risk groups, which includes young adults who make up the biggest percentage of the university’s students.

During the summer, four students on campus were confirmed positive for H1N1 and there were three or four other probable cases. All were sent home, recovered and returned to work or school.

H1N1 symptoms are very similar to those for regular seasonal flu: fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, head and body aches, lack of appetite and lethargy. There may be additional gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea with H1N1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend anyone with flu symptoms stay home and contact their health care provider.

Because people can be exposed to flu viruses almost anywhere and anytime, there are some common-sense recommendations to minimize transmission of the flu and exposure to it:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.

Avoid close contact with sick people.

Avoid social gatherings if you are ill or if you have medical conditions that put you at risk for flu complications.

Get your flu shot this fall.

For general questions about H1N1 flu, call the Fresno County Department of Public Health’s toll-free information at 888.993.3003 or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

Campus information is available from the Department of Risk Management and Sustainability, 559.278.7422, or the Student Health Center, 559.278.2734.