H1N1 Flu Information

Issued 09/24/2009

North Dakota State Health officials have indicated today that there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 on the NDSCS campus, of those who have sought medical treatment through our Student Health Services Department.

Prevention remains our biggest priority on campus. Based on recommendations from the North Dakota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, you are urged to practice these Five Key Habits:

1. Cover your cough. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not hands.
2. Clean your hands frequently. Wash hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. Keep your distance (3-6 feet) from sick people.
5. Stay home when you're sick. Stay home for at least 24 hours after you have a fever.

Immunization is the best protection against the flu. A flu shot will protect you against the most common types of seasonal flu and help keep you healthy all winter. A seasonal flu vaccination will not protect you against H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in early November. Please watch for more information.

Students who become ill are urged to seek medical attention at the NDSCS Student Health Services Department. They can be reached at 701-671-2286. NDSCS faculty has been encouraged to show flexibility toward students who are absent due to the flu or flu-like symptoms. Students will be requested to show medical documentation from NDSCS Student Health Services or their medical provider.

"Put Your Hands Together" - U.S. Centers for Disease Control video highlighting infection prevention techniques for coughing

Flu Prevention Tips
Health officials are reminding the public that it is especially important to practice basic infection prevention measures at this time, such as:

• Ill students, faculty and staff should stay home.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and throw away the tissue after use.
• If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve.
• Wash or use hand sanitizer after using a tissue.
• Wash hands with soap frequently during the day.
• When washing hands, rub them with soap for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill or appear ill.

Posters:

• "Did you wash your hands?"
• "Do you feel sick?"
• "Cover your cough."
• "Clean hands save lives!"
• "Don't spread the flu!"

General Information Video - from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control

Flu.gov - from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

NDFlu.com - from the North Dakota Department of Health

Minnesota H1N1 Info - from the Minnesota Department of Health

Seasonal & H1N1 Flu Information Sheet - from the Richland County Health Department

Click to read NDSCS statement