Office of Public Relations:                                           For more information, contact: Stephen E. Snyder

(229) 931-2028                                                                         (229) 931-2037 ssnyder@canes.gsw.edu

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Sept. 1, 2009

GSW responds to flu outbreaks

            AMERICUS—Georgia Southwestern State University, like all schools across the country, is addressing health concerns regarding flu outbreaks on their campuses. At Georgia Southwestern, there have been 9 cases to date of students with flu-like symptoms who have reported to Student Health Services, the primary point of contact for all students who are not feeling well. Only one was a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus.

            “As we have done with every student who experiences flu-like symptoms, we instructed the student to go home to rest and recuperate,” said Health Services Director Annie Brown. “That student was home for seven days and is completely recovered now.”

            The University’s decision instructing students to go home until symptoms subside is in keeping with the guidelines established by the Georgia Department of Health.

            Since the initial outbreaks of H1N1 virus in the United States this past spring, Georgia Southwestern has been working closely with public health officials to prevent and prepare for outbreaks of the virus among the campus community.

            “We are following every guideline established by the state health department and the Centers for Disease Control,” Brown said. “We have a standing pandemic committee as part of our existing emergency action plans, and that group has been monitoring the spread of the virus. Fortunately, the symptoms of H1N1 are proving to be no more severe than the normal seasonal flu.”

            When a student is instructed to go home, Student Health Services will notify the appropriate professors to inform them of the student's impending absences. Students who have recovered will receive a note from Health Services to present to their professors upon their return to class.  

            To help students prevent the spread of the flu virus, the University has provided hand sanitizer in all residence halls and in many other locations around campus including the Herschel A. Smith Health Center.

            The university has posted information about prevention of the virus and answers to frequently asked questions on its Web site. To learn more about how to protect yourself and what to do if you believe you or others have the virus, visit www.gsw.edu/news/H1N1.

            Shots for the seasonal flu are now available for students at the Herschel A. Smith Health Center.

- GSW -