Dear Faculty and Staff,

On behalf of Student Health Services, Minnesota State University, Mankato continues to monitor the H1N1 Influenza situation and 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 (available at:  www.mnsu.edu/shs)   The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include 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. 

Everyday actions can be taken to prevent the spread of influenza and we encourage all Minnesota State University, Mankato faculty, staff and students to practice the following habits:

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
2. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
3. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
4. Avoid close contact with people who have influenza-like symptoms.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.
6. 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.
7. Self-care supplies that might be helpful include:  acetaminophen, ibuprofen, thermometer, tissues, cough drops, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and beverages such as Gatorade® ,
8. In addition to getting the H1N1 influenza vaccine when available, also consider getting a seasonal influenza vaccine if you are able.
9. The Student Health Services web site (www.mnsu.edu/shs) will be kept up to date with information for the MN Dept of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control, and linkages to other key resources to provide guidelines on vaccine availability, treatment, travel recommendations, etc. regarding H1N1.

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

Let’s all work together to keep the MSU community healthy.  Thank you for your assistance with these efforts.

DeeAnn Snaza
Interim Director of Human Resources
Minnesota State University Mankato
336 Wigley Administration Center
Mankato  MN  56001
Phone: (507) 389-6075
Fax: (507) 389-2960
E-Mail: deeann.snaza@mnsu.edu