Herscel A. Smith Health Center:                                           

(229) 931-2235                                                                        

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H1N1 Flu Information           

Georgia Southwestern State University continues to monitor the ongoing H1N1 flu virus, commonly known as swine flu, outbreak. University officials are working closely with local, state and federal officials to keep abreast of developments and precautions that should be taken. Updates will be posted at this site.

Any Georgia Southwestern student or employee who experiences flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headache or a cough, while on campus is urged to contact the Herschel A. Smith Health Center adjacent to the Marshall Student Center or by phone at 229-931-2235.

1. What is influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human to human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.

2. How does swine flu spread?

Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

3. What can you do to stay healthy?

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

  •             - Wash hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
  •             If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  •            
                - Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  •             Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your elbow.
  •            
                - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  •            
                - Wash hands before eating.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

  •             - Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or
  •             sneezing of infected people.

  •             - If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or
  •             school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.


4. Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?


No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.


5. What should I do if I get sick?


If you get sick, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Georgia Southwestern students with respiratory symptoms (fever, body aches, sore throats, headaches, cough) should call the Health Center at 229-931-2235. The Health Center will be screening patients for swine flu based on recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

 Georgia Southwestern faculty and staff who visit the Health Center or make an appointment may be asked to consult with their personal physician for diagnosis and treatment of flu-like symptoms. This is due to the increased volume of students that we are seeing at this time and limited staff.


6. Where to find information
On all questions related to an influenza threat, the university will be guided by recommendations from public health officials and the Centers for Disease Control. Please visit its Web site for information that is clear, authoritative, comprehensive and current.

Information is also available on the official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu.

7. Travel Recommendations

Please refer to the CDC’s travel information Web site for current travel recommendations. Georgia Southwestern campus community members with travel plans are strongly encouraged to check this site for the latest travel information and guidance.


**SHOTS FOR THE SEASONAL FLU ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS AT
THE HERSCHEL A. SMITH HEALTH CENTER.