About the Flu

As you know, flu can be spread easily from person to person. Southern is taking steps to prevent the spread of flu but we need your help to accomplish this.

The college is working closely with area health departments to monitor flu conditions and make decisions concerning our institution and the campus community. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.

For now, here are a few things you can do to help:

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Cover 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 the 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). 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.

For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Be Smart About the Flu. Take Proactive Precautions.