A message from the Health and Wellness director

In recent years, The Penn State Health and Wellness Center (HWC) under the guidance of the Pandemic Planning Committee has been preparing for the likely possibility of a Pandemic influenza outbreak. On June 11, 2009, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a global pandemic of moderate severity which set forth in motion, Penn State Altoona’s Pandemic Preparedness and Response Plan.

Currently, the HWC continues to monitor the situation at the local, state and federal levels and is in strict compliance with the Pandemic guidelines and recommendations as set forth by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the PA Department of Health and the American College Health Association.

Currently, the HWC is preparing for a potential, Campus wide outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza virus and seasonal influenza viruses. The single best way to prevent either influenza is to receive a vaccination. The CDC is expected to begin dissemination of the seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccines in early fall.

In addition to vaccination, it is imperative that you continue to practice simple and easy to do, self care prevention and spread measures such as; proper hand washing techniques, cough etiquette and social distancing. www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/resphygiene.htm

NOT EVERYONE WITH FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS
NEEDS TO BE SEEN BY A MEDICAL PROVIDER!
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What is most important for you to know is that if you are ill – please stay home and avoid close contact with other people. Treat the symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and vomiting as you would normally. Use over the counter medications to combat fever, muscle aches and sore throat. Continue to rest and hydrate yourself with water, sports drinks, and soup broth. When fever is no longer present for 24 hrs without the aid of fever reducing medications, you are safe to leave home and resume normal activity. www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

If at any time, your condition should worsen and you develop a prolonged or high fever, difficulty breathing, inability to keep liquids down, rash, dizziness, neck pain, please seek medical attention. If you have any additional health issues such as; asthma, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or pregnancy AND have flu like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.