H1N1 Flu Information Itasca Community College is taking steps to prevent the spread of
flu within our campus community and we request your help in
accomplishing this.
Throughout the fall and winter, we will be
working closely with the Office of the Chancellor and the Minnesota
Department of Health to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about
the best steps to take concerning ICC.
We will keep you updated
with new information as it becomes available to us. For now, we are
communicating broadly within our community about measures we all can
take to help prevent or slow the spread of flu.
Steps to prevent the flu:
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.
Then dispose of the tissue properly. If you dont 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: the person
feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
Stay
home --dont go to class or work-- if you have flu or flu-like illness
for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a
fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing
medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Talk
with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated
for seasonal flu. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from
2009 H1N1 flu, you should also 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.
Itasca Community College is taking the following preventive steps:
- Offering hand sanitizing gel to all employees
- Placing a small bottle of antiseptic hand gel in every classroom and conference room
- Seasonal flu shots will be available to employees October 29th, 2009.
- Hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in several commons areas around campus
- Cover Your Cough posters have been in high traffic areas and bathrooms.
- Encouraged campus community members to take proper precautions if they come down with the flu or flu like symptoms
For the most up-to-date national information on flu: Visit www.flu.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).
We will notify you by e-mail of any additional changes to ICC's
strategy to prevent the spread of flu on our campus. Such changes will
also be announced on the College web site. We appreciate your
assistance in preventing the spread of flu.
Best wishes for a healthy fall semester,
Chad Haatvedt
Safety Administrator
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Hotline: 877.676.5414
TTY: 651.201.5797
800.CDC.INFO (800.232.4636)
TTY: 888.232.6348
Care Guides
Manage Flu Symptoms
Measuring Vital Signs
Preventing Dehydration
Care Giving
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