The University of Lethbridge is urging students, staff and faculty to 'Be Fluless, Not Clueless' this fall as it deals with the spectre of Influenza A H1N1.

The campaign is designed to inform members of the University community on how to first avoid getting the flu and then, should they become ill, what to do and where to go to seek treatment. The Influenza A H1N1 concern is real and the U of L is taking the situation very seriously as it looks to head off the virus. The latest information and advice, compiled in consultation with the University Health Centre and Alberta Health Services, offers the best protection.

Sept. 2, 2009 UPDATE

Classes and activities at the University of Lethbridge are operating as normal. We continue to monitor the H1N1 influenza situation and the directives set forth by Alberta Health Services. As this is a potentially serious situation and we value highly the health of our students, staff and faculty, representatives from throughout the University community will continue to meet regularly to assess any ongoing developments. Associate Vice-President (Human Resources and Administration) Don MacDonald leads our campus team and can be contacted by calling 403-329-2276 or through e-mail at don.macdonald2@uleth.ca.

Take these Everyday Steps to Protect Your Health

1) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If no tissue is available, try to sneeze into clothing or the crook of your elbow.

2) Throw tissues carefully in the trash. Avoid public spitting of mucous and respiratory secretions.

3) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If your hands are not obviously soiled, hand sanitizer is a good second choice to clean hands.

4) Try to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth frequently. Your hands may have touched something recently and germs spread quickly in the moist tissues of the face.

5) Perform extra cleaning of common surfaces at home or at school. Having cleansing wipes or hand sanitizer on hand is a good idea.

6) Prepare to stay home for a week or so should you become ill.

7) If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay at home for at least 48 hours after your fever has subsided (except if you are in need of medical care). Try to protect the people you live with by staying separate from them, wearing a mask or extra cleaning.

8) For more information, see the following websites: www.albertahealthservices.ca; www.cdc.gov; www.fightflu.ca; www.publichealth.gc.ca


Seeking Medical Care - What should I do if I get sick?

Call the Health Centre at 403-329-2484 BEFORE coming in with influenza symptoms.

Centre for Disease Control recommends:

If you become ill with influenza-type symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, nausea or vomiting, you should stay home (except to seek medical care) and avoid contact with other people.
CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided - typically this is 6 to 7 days after your initial symptoms. If you have taken an over-the counter medication to reduce your fever, you should wait 24 to 48 hours AFTER your fever is naturally gone with OTC meds.

If you have mild influenza-type symptoms, the typical course of the illness is 3 days of aches and pains, leading up to sore throat, cough and fever. On approximately the 4th day, the immune system begins to recognize the virus and begins the process of eliminating it. At this point, you should start feeling a little better. For mild cases, you would report your illness to your supervisor/professor/school and then return 24 to 48 hours after your fever has subsided. If you need to see a doctor, call the University of Lethbridge Health Centre at 403-329-2484 to discuss your situation. Health Centre staff will ask you to use hand sanitizer and wear a mask before entering the Health Centre.

SEVERE SYMPTOMS

If you become ill and experience any of the following symptoms, call 911 or go to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital.
These symptoms include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worsening cough (worsening of symptoms).

For a look at a list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit the FAQ section of the Alberta Health Services website.