Illness / Epidemic

Message to students and staff:
From: The Campus Emergency Team

Outbreaks of illness are not unexpected in the United States. PHCC recognizes the potential and is prepared in the case of a serious outbreak. For persons with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, common infectious diseases can be more serious. Pregnant women are also at risk for more serious illness.

Virginia Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remly has advised Virginians to prepare for the possibility of increased flu activity as students interact in their classes. With that in mind, here is additional important information for PHCC students & parents:

• A college-wide committee has been working diligently to prepare for potential outbreaks.
• For persons with an infectious disease, the current Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendation is to stay home from work and school until at least 24 hours after free of fever (100 F/37.8 C) without the use of fever-reducing medication. This means staying home for 3 to 5 days in most cases. This is very important for preventing the spread of disease to others.

Additionally, here are general guidelines to help prevent the spread of influenza:

• Stay home from work and school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading the virus if you have flu-like symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue and body aches.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaners also is effective.
• Limit close contact with sick people.
• Prevent the spread of germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Call your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

We are monitoring the development of the Novel H1N1 flu vaccine and have ongoing communication with the West Piedmont Health District of the Virginia Department of Health. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends that all people age 6 months -24 years receive the novel H1N1 flu vaccine as part of their voluntary vaccination effort.

For additional information and resources, visit the following web sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm