Indiana University Southeast, like all IU campuses, is monitoring the human H1N1 flu situation. Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to other seasonal influenza illnesses and include high fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and, occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea.
According to the CDC, H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen. H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
Neither contact with pigs nor eating pork has been linked to the spread of the flu. Spread of this H1N1 influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Campus preparations include the development and distribution of educational materials that provide guidance on how to prevent the spread of the flu virus and instructions on what individuals should do if they experience flu-like symptoms. IU Southeast is also distributing alcohol- based hand sanitizers in the computer labs across campus and in the common areas of the student lodges.
Students at IU Southeast who experience flu-like symptoms are urged to immediately visit their primary care provider or an immediate care center for evaluation. All IU employees have been notified that if they experience symptoms consistent with the flu, they should stay home and minimize contact with other people.
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy. All students, faculty and staff are being asked to make an extra effort to follow common infection control measures, including frequent hand washing and shielding others from a cough by using a tissue, handkerchief, or sleeve.
Although the H1N1 flu has not been declared a pandemic, IU Southeast is concerned about the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. Additional information is available at the following Web sites:
To Protect and Serve.
The Indiana University Southeast Police Department is a fully empowered law enforcement agency. The main objective of this department is to ensure the safety, peace, and tranquility of the academic community.