Monday, April 27, 2009
Campus Update: Swine Influenza
(Updated April 28, 2009, 10:30 pm)
To: SDSU Students, Faculty and Staff
From: Stephen L. Weber, SDSU President
Re: Swine Flu Update
SDSU is committed to keeping the university community informed on swine flu as it relates to our campus. On Tuesday, April 28, an SDSU student was treated by Student Health Services for flu-like symptoms. The student was experiencing a fever, respiratory illness and tested positive for type A influenza. Based on this, the student is considered to have a “suspected” case of swine flu. The student is currently receiving treatment and the condition is not considered life threatening. SDSU is working with the San Diego County Health Department to further investigate if the student has swine flu. Meantime, the student - who does not live on campus - will not be returning to campus until the condition improves to the point where the student is no longer infectious.
We are not aware of any other suspected cases of swine flu on the SDSU campus. Following consultation with the San Diego County Health Department, classes and other university operations are continuing. If a case of swine flu is confirmed, additional information will be provided, however this may take several days. It is important that each of us take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those caused by the usual strains of influenza virus and include fever over 100 degrees orally plus other symptoms such as:
* Headache
* Muscle aches
* Cough
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Sore throat
* Fatigue
* And rarely, stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
If you are suffering from these symptoms, stay home. Students should call Student Health Services at (619) 594-5058 for an evaluation and instructions on how to care for yourself and reduce spreading the infection to others. Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider.
For further information about swine flu, see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm.
These are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy as influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If you get sick:
• CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• Persons who experience flu-like symptoms (fever with either cough or sore throat) and wish to seek medical care should contact their health care provider to report illness (by telephone or other remote means) before seeking care at Student Health Services or other clinic, physician’s office, or hospital. Persons who have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath or are believed to be severely ill should seek immediate medical attention.
• Students, if you are staying home due to illness, e-mail your professor to notify him/her of your absence and to make arrangements for your class assignments.
Below are links with additional resources:
For more information about Swine Flu and SDSU, visit the Swine Flu Information Center.