Sep 15, 2009 - With all the headlines in the news about this year's flu season and the H1N1 influenza (commonly known as the “swine flu”), Harvey Mudd College is taking a number of steps to keep its on-campus community healthy.
 
The novel H1N1 influenza is now widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases have been mild and, at this point, the virus appears no more virulent or severe than most seasonal influenzas.  Take the same precautions that help protect yourself and others during any seasonal influenza outbreak.
 
In order to prepare for the upcoming flu season, HMC is taking action, such as:

• Distributing hand sanitizers, disposable thermometers, and information on flu symptoms and preventive strategies to all students.
• Placing large pumps of hand sanitizing liquid in key public areas around campus.
• Placing sanitizing wipes in all computer labs so that keyboards and surfaces can be cleaned between users.
• Instructing the custodial staff to take enhanced measures to prevent the spread of infection (e.g., extra cleaning of all door handles).
• Planning a PR campaign to inform the campus community about ways to avoid getting and spreading the flu.
• Coordinating with Student Health Services and the other Claremont Colleges to share information and resources.
• Requesting that parents and guardians speak with their Mudders about flu prevention strategies, and watch out for symptoms of the flu (outlined below).

Most importantly, HMC recognizes the importance of having open lines of communication. We will continue to monitor developments pertaining to this year's flu season and will relay any new information if and when it becomes available.

Prevention
Flu viruses are spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing. A person may also become infected by touching a surface or object with flu viruses on it, and then touching his/her mouth or nose. It is important for all students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are spread in this manner.
• Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
• Do not share lip balm/chap stick.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
• Monitor your health by checking your fever with a thermometer.
• If you are sick with a flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that, except to get medical care, you stay home at least 24 hours after your fever is gone-without use of a fever-reducing medicine. Keep away from others, as much as possible, to keep from infecting them.

Signs and Symptoms of the Flu
Symptoms of the H1N1 influenza include fever (100 degrees F or higher), body aches, running or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If your Mudder reports some of these symptoms, please ask them to remain in their room and call Student Health Services at ext. 72252 (from an on-campus phone) or 909.607.2252, or consult your family health care provider. In order to prevent the spread of disease, ill students are requested to practice self-isolation: Do not come to class, meet with other groups, attend office hours, or contact offices in person when ill.
 
The majority of individuals who contract the flu will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. Students should call the Student Health Service if they are unsure whether or not to seek medical care. If a medical problem occurs after Student Health Services has closed for the day, a staff member is available for telephone consultation 24 hours a day by calling Campus Safety at ext. 72000 or 909.607.2000.
 
For More Information
The CDC website is a current and valid source of information. Parents and students who have additional questions may contact the Dean of Students Office at ext. 18125 or 909.621.8125, or Student Health Services at  ext. 72252 or 909.607.2252.

Media contact: Maya Chalich
maya_chalich@hmc.edu
909/607-0899