Montclair State University

Although the ongoing outbreak of H1N1 flu (swine flu) continues to expand in the United States, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the severity of the virus is much less than health officials had at first feared and the symptoms of the disease are generally mild.

The number of confirmed cases of the virus in New Jersey is low and there are no confirmed or suspected cases at Montclair State University. Nevertheless, the University continues to monitor the situation and has implemented all of the recommendations for higher education institutions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Additionally, the University Health Center is prepared to screen, treat, and track patients with flu-like symptoms and is working closely with the University Emergency Response Team and state and federal health organizations.

Although the situation does not appear to be as severe as anticipated, it has not gone away and it is important that everyone continue to practice proper flu prevention techniques such as these:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners containing at least 60% alcohol are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you develop flu-like symptoms, call your private healthcare provider or the University Health Center at 973-655-4361 for instructions.

More information as well as daily updates on the status of the H1N1 flu may be found on the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

The CDC also provides the following Web resources:

• General Information:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
• What You Can Do to Stay Healthy: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/#stay_healthy
• Alert for Institutions of Higher Education: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/college-alert.htm
• What’s New: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/whatsnew.htm

Information about the H1N1 flu and protective measures can also be found at the University Health Center Web site at www.montclair.edu/health/hc/.

Questions can be sent to askanurse@mail.montclair.edu.

We will update this message in the event of important new developments. Those wishing to find daily updates should visit the CDC Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.

Article Entered Into News System: Friday, May 8 2009
Article Last Edited: Friday, May 8 2009