Sonoma State University President Ruben Arminana and Student Health Center Medical Director Georgia Schwartz have sent the following communication to the faculty, staff and students on the Rohnert Park campus:
In light of the rapidly developing story regarding swine flu, Sonoma State University is closely monitoring the swine flu situation and staying in contact with public health officials.
There are currently no reported cases of swine flu at Sonoma State University or in Sonoma County and no increase in reports of influenza-like illness. Ten confirmed cases have been reported in California, with 62 cases reported nationwide.
Increased public health surveillance and testing for this particular virus will likely increase the number of reported cases, but will not necessarily mean that those who test positive are severely ill.
Swine flu is a viral respiratory illness similar to regular seasonal influenza. To date, all confirmed cases in the United States have been mild. Most people are not expected to be immune to this virus strain.
Therefore, in collaboration with local public health experts, Sonoma State University is focusing on preparation, monitoring and disease prevention.
We are asking each member of our campus community to become informed and take preventive steps as follows:
To reduce the risk of spread of swine flu and other infectious respiratory diseases:
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Cover coughs and sneezes. Use your elbows or a tissue. Dispose of used tissues in a waste container and wash hands immediately.
Avoid sharing drinking and eating utensils, and similar mouth contaminated items with others.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, as this facilitates the transfer of germs from your hands to your mucus membranes.
Clean potentially contaminated environmental surfaces with soap and water or diluted bleach - nothing more substantial is needed.
Stay home if you are ill with flu symptoms (fever and cough or sore throat) and avoid close contact with others who are ill.
Follow CDC travel guidelines and other suggestions for prevention as listed on their website.
Help out your immune system:
Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, including second hand smoke and other respiratory irritants or substances that interfere with immunity.
Get 7-8 or more hours of sleep a night, and eat regular balanced meals.
Avoid stress, including anxiety based on media reports rather than prevailing public health information - see links below.
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms - fever and cough or sore throat, body aches, etc.:
Stay home and limit contact with others.
If symptoms are mild, follow self-care guidelines including rest, fluids, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever.
Call your health care provider (including the Student Health Center if you are a student) in advance to determine if you need an appointment.
If you have difficulty breathing or are severely ill, seek medical attention promptly, but still call ahead if possible.
Information
The Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and Sonoma County Department of Health Services swine flu websites are ideal sources of updated and accurate information.
Web links are available from the Student Health Center and are also listed below:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Sonoma County Department of Health Services
CSU Influenza/Swine Flu Update
