OSU, state continue to monitor H1N1 flu situation
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
(Stillwater, OK April 29, 2009) -- Oklahoma State University is taking several precautionary
steps as it continues to work closely with local and state health officials to monitor
the H1N1 flu situation. It is important to remember that there still have been no
confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Oklahoma.
OSU University Health Services is screening patients with flu-like symptoms upon arrival
and testing based on established criteria. Flu-like symptoms include fever greater
than 100 degrees, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in
some cases, diarrhea and vomiting. It is not necessary to seek a flu test unless
you currently have flu symptoms, or have either traveled to Mexico within the last
seven days, or had close contact with an ill person who has.
The symptoms of H1N1 flu in humans are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza.
Even if a patient tests positive for influenza, that does not mean they have the flu;
no recent patients have tested positive for any class of influenza.
Health officials advise that you wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap
or use an alcohol-based hand gel; cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze.
The Center for Disease Control has updated its travel advisory for Mexico, recommending
that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
As a result, OSU has cancelled all non-essential travel to Mexico between now and
May 20, including two student trips and is rescheduling a visit to Stillwater by administrators
from Mexico. OSU continues to assess the situation on additional Mexico trips and
visits scheduled for late May. OSU also is communicating with three students currently
studying in Mexico.
“We are urging people to take basic health precautions,” said Marlene Strathe, OSU
provost. “While we regret cancelling Mexico-related trips and visits, our number
one concern is the health and welfare of our students, campus and visitors.”
The following sites provide helpful information:
Flu symptoms: http://www.okstate.edu/UHS/uhsflu.htm
H1N1 Flu Q & A: http://www.ok.gov/health/documents/OCC-FAQ%20-SwineInfluenza.pdf
WHO-H1N1 Flu: http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
CDC-H1N1 Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
CDC-Travel Advisory: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx
CDC-University Update: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/college-alert.htm
Higher Ed cases: http://tinyurl.com/HigherEdH1N1Map