H1N1 Flu

As you may know, influenza viruses known as "flu" can be spread easily from person to person. Traditional flu season is October to May, with the peak occurring between late December and March. At Sage, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at Sage for as long as possible, but we need your help to accomplish this. See below for a few simple things you can do to stay healthy and prevent the spread of illness.

Readiness for H1N1

Colleges and universities across the country have been urged by federal, state and local officials to have plans in place to prepare for and respond to an H1N1 flu outbreak. Cases of H1N1 were seen throughout the spring, but public health officials warn that a more severe wave of the virus is likely to strike during traditional flu season.

While there is no cause for alarm at this time, it is important to be aware and alert. As our Sage president and global public health expert Susan Scrimshaw says about the field of public health, "When we do our job right, nothing happens."

Sage's crisis and emergency plans have been modified to include preparations for a possible H1N1 flu outbreak. The plan addresses several levels of possible outbreak severity, allowing Sage to continue to serve its students in the safest possible environment.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through the coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are basic steps we can all take to limit any potential risk of getting or spreading the flu:

• Practice good hand hygiene:

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing, with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective
• Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or your shoulder, not your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth: germs are spread this way.
• Clean shared equipment frequently, such as computer keyboards, phones, fitness equipment and toilet seats. Sage will be providing more Clorox wipes on campus.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. They include: fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
• If you are feeling sick, stay home - do not go to school, work, or public places if at all possible. Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees F or 38 degrees Celsius) without the use of fever-reducing medications (those that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
• If you are experiencing flu symptoms, consult your health care provider promptly to get checked out.
• Talk with your health care provider about vaccination. Ask whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flue. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from H1N1 flu (women who are pregnant and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. For information on priority groups for vaccination, go to www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm

Sage Wellness Center

Troy: Kellas Hall, 1st floor; 244-2261; troywellnesscenter@sage.edu
Albany: Kahl Campus Center, lower level; 292-1917; albanywellnesscenter@sage.edu

Updated: September 4, 2009 - 12:30 pm