Dear Students:
As we enter into the flu season, Sinclair Community College would like to keep you informed of current updates on the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu). Sinclair Community College has taken this community concern very seriously, establishing an internal task force comprised of Administrators, Public Safety and Healthcare Professionals. We are routinely monitoring the community through local and state health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) is the best source of information on the H1N1 virus. But as a reminder, here are flu prevention tips from the CDC:
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
For additional information and current ongoing monitoring of the situation at Sinclair Community College go to www.sinclair.edu.
We are pleased to announce that Sinclair Community College will be a vaccination site for the H1N1 shot when it becomes available in the coming weeks. Sinclair students will be able to receive the vaccination at the designated site for free. You must present your Sinclair Community College Tartan card at time of inoculation. We will notify you via email and other campus communications once the date, time and location have been confirmed to receive the H1N1 flu shot.
Keep in mind, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended several initial target groups for the H1N1 flu shot: those individuals between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, people with an underlying medical condition – such as asthma or diabetes – and women who are pregnant.
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever.
For your sake and the sake of others if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please stay home. The CDC recommends that you should stay home until your fever is completely gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours. Contact your faculty member to discuss your absence and implications for coursework. The College has asked faculty to work with ill students to be as flexible as possible while maintaining the quality of coursework and meeting approved curriculum goals of the class.
I wish you all a very safe and healthy quarter here at Sinclair Community College.
Sincerely,
Chief Gift
Director of Public Safety and Chair of the Communicable Disease Committee
Sinclair Community College
