We fully expect that cases of the flu, including cases of H1N1 (swine) flu, will occur within the UNT community this fall. This web page provides you with some information and talking points to address this issue.
Please bear in mind that there are several strains of the flu virus. There is currently no expectation that the effects of any of these strains, including H1N1, are unusually severe. It is important that we encourage both proper precautions against contagion and a calm and measured response to instances of illness. Under these circumstances, you are encouraged to deal with staff who are ill from the flu in the same manner that you handle staff with other illnesses. If you get the flu, seek medical help and stay home following your normal departmental procedures.
Considering the news coverage surrounding H1N1, you may decide that it is important to tell your staff in your area about the illness. You also may share the hygiene practices outlined below with your staff. You may, if you choose, inform the department if a case of the flu is reported to you but you must carefully guard the identity of the ill individual.
Healthy practices:
- Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick or are known to be sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands thoroughly often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work effectively as a temporary measure.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
- Practice healthy behaviors, such as getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious diet.
- If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Symptoms of the flu include:
- fever
- coughing
- sore throat
- chills
- lethargy
- lack of appetite
- Some people may also have a runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
If these symptoms occur, individuals may want to seek medical advice.
If the number of cases or severity of the flu triggers the need for additional measures, you will be notified through the Eagle Alert system. Please be sure that you are able to receive such alerts and encourage your department members to sign up for this service.
