UF offers advice for dealing with H1N1 swine flu virus

August 25, 2009

With the fall semester under way, the University of Florida wants to ensure that students, faculty and staff have the latest and most accurate information regarding the Novel H1N1 flu virus.

First and foremost, prevention is one of the most effective ways to deal with Novel H1N1, also known as swine flu. Basic good hygiene includes the following:

  • 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 are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as this spreads germs.
  • Limit contact with others if you are sick

Students, faculty and staff are urged to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s newest guidelines released August 7. Those guidelines recommend that people with H1N1 or influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. Students, faculty and staff should consider having their own digital thermometer to monitor their temperature.

Most people are expected to recover without needing medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care.

Colleges and departments have been asked to make plans to deal with student and employee absences that may occur, and faculty members are encouraged to be flexible with students who miss class.

An H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available later this fall, and UF’s Student Health Care Center will be working closely with public health officials to provide vaccinations to eligible students and employees.

In the meantime, remember that the H1N1 situation is subject to change as the flu season progresses. Please keep up with the latest recommendations and news about H1N1. The university’s Environmental Health and Safety office is maintaining a Web site with the latest information about H1N1 at http://www.ehs.ufl.edu/h1n1.

For more information, check the following Web sites: