Inver Hills Community College is continuing to work closely with the Minnesota Department of Public Health to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning Inver Hills' students. If this year's flu season becomes more severe, additional appropriate steps will be taken to prevent the spread of the virus.
Steps are already being taken to contain the spread of flu at Inver Hills Community College. Inver Hills has installed alcohol-based antibacterial hand cleaners at most entrances to campus buildings. Students, faculty, and staff are strongly urged to use these cleaners as needed. In addition, alcohol-based wipes are available in computer labs for students to wipe down keyboards before each use.
Here are a few things you can do:
Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are 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 your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don't go to class or work.
Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes).
For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.
If you are experiencing flu symptoms, please call or e-mail the college Health Service rather than visiting in person. You may call the Health Service at 651-450-3524 or complete the Ask a Nurse webform with any flu questions or concerns. Faculty and staff are encouraged to talk directly with their healthcare provider.
For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).
You will be notified by e-mail, Inver Hills' website, and possibly via Star Alert of any additional changes to Inver Hills' strategy to prevent the spread of flu on campus.