UGA and University Health Center officials are monitoring the international H1N1 flu situation. There are confirmed cases at UGA. To avoid getting either H1N1 or normal influenza, the Health Center recommends limiting exposure to respiratory infectious diseases and offers these tips:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
•Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
•Avoid close contact with sick people.
•Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
If you get influenza-like symptoms, stay home from work or school except to seek medical care and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Guidelines from the CDC state that individuals who present these symptoms should remain isolated until at least 24 hours after the fever has passed without the use of fever reducers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Check the University Health Center Web site (www.uhs.uga.edu/healthtopics/influenza.html) to find out when seasonal flu shots become available. When H1N1 influenza vaccines become available, the UHC also will offer them.
