What Columbia College is doing in preparation for a potential flu outbreak and what you can do personally.
 
We know you have probably been reading about the potential for H1N1 (swine) flu outbreak in the U.S.  We are continuing to monitor the situation and advise that you do too.  We recognize that you may have concerns and questions about what Columbia College is doing in preparation for a potential flu outbreak and what you can do personally.  Please know that we are here to help you.  The following is some information for you.

We will offer the Columbia College community regularly updated advisories based on the latest information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and SC DHEC on H1N1 flu prevention and treatment recommendations. As recommendations are being revised frequently, members of the College community are advised to visit the following websites for information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the disease.

Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You  
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm


South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Swine Flu update
www.scdhec.gov/flu/swine-flu.htm 

 
CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for guidance for universities and colleges
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm 

 
CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for guidance for caring for someone with the flu
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

 
APA (American Psychological Association) article: Managing Your Anxiety About H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
www.apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194 

 
HOW WE CAN HELP
Symptoms of an Influenza Like Illness (ILI) include:  fever, muscle aches, headache, scratchy sore throat, cough, and runny nose. Students who live on campus should contact Student Health Services (803-786-3859) if experiencing flu symptoms.  It is usually a good idea to call ahead before going to Health Services.

 
HOW YOU CAN HELP
One of the most important ways you can help prevent the spread of flu on our campus is for you to self-isolate if you become ill. The CDC guidelines ask that resident students not go home if they have H1N1, but remain in quarantine on campus in order to try to keep the virus isolated in a geographic area. Resident students that become ill with flu symptoms should contact Health Services immediately and not participate in social events or mingle with other students in common areas. We will assist you to self-isolate -- or rather -- stay away from others when you have a fever and are sick. This means staying in a quarantine area where someone will bring you necessities such as food, fluids, and medicine unless you need to leave for medical care.  

 
GENERAL DISEASE PREVENTION RECOMMENDATIONS
As a general precaution to help prevent illness, the following disease prevention practices are advised:

• Cough and sneeze into your arm or elbow, not into your hands.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough.  Sing the "ABC Song" while you wash to make sure you have washed long enough.
• Have a digital thermometer to monitor your temperature.
• Use alcohol based hand sanitizers when available. Please bring a supply from home for your personal use.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Avoid contact with others you know to be ill.
• If you get sick with flu like symptoms, stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. The recommendation from the CDC is for anyone with influenza like illness (ILI) to stay out of work or school until they have not had a fever (< 100) for 24 hours and are not taking fever reducing medication.

For further information or advice about your health, please feel free to contact Columbia College Health Services 803.786.3859.