Flu Information for Faculty ⁄ Staff

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Minnesota State Mankato continues to monitor the H1N1 Influenza situation, provide updated advisories and the latest information on H1N1 prevention and treatment recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and the Minnesota Department of Health.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

You can take everyday actions to prevent the spread of influenza. We encourage all Minnesota State Mankato faculty, staff and students to practice the following habits:

• 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 close contact with people who have influenza-like symptoms.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• If you get influenza-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache chills and fatigue…some are also getting diarrhea and vomiting), stay home and give students permission to do the same without penalty. Do not require doctors' notes for illnesses. It is possible that folks will be diagnosed by telephone triage and will not be seen in a clinic.

Consider keeping self-care supplies at home, including: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, thermometer, tissues, cough drops, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and beverages such as Gatorade®.

In addition to getting the H1N1 influenza vaccine when available, also consider getting a seasonal influenza vaccine if you are able.

The Minnesota State Mankato H1N1 flu web site is kept up to date with the latest information from the Minnesota Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and links to other key resources with guidelines on H1N1 vaccine availability, treatment, travel recommendations, etc.

The H1N1 influenza vaccine is expected to be available sometime in the fall. We will keep you informed as more specific information becomes available. We recognize that you may have continuing questions or concerns about H1N1 flu; we will continue to provide updated information to the Minnesota State Mankato community on a regular basis.

Thank you for working together to keep the Minnesota State Mankato community healthy.