H1N1 (swine flu) Information for Students, Faculty & Staff

A Message from Leonard W. Sandridge, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Monday, June 26, 2009 (10 a.m.)

To the University community:

Earlier this week, the University's Medical Center informed its employees that a small number of staff members had been diagnosed with novel H1N1 flu.

While neither the region nor the state is seeing large numbers of cases -- 191 have been diagnosed in Virginia thus far -- we do know that influenza is in our community. I believe it's important to remind all University employees of the flu symptoms and how individuals can help to keep the workplace safe.

As has been widely reported, the symptoms of this virus have ranged from very mild, cold-like symptoms to more severe influenza symptoms. It is now generally being described as seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, chills, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person. I am asking employees to contact their doctors immediately to be evaluated if they have any of these symptoms - and not to come to work.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following advice for staying healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also effective.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Prevent the spread of germs by not touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them when you are ill.
• Call your health care provider if you become ill with influenza-like symptoms.
• Stay informed. The CDC website will be updated regularly as information becomes available.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social-distancing measures.

If you would like more information on H1N1, visit the University's Emergency Web site.

There you will find numerous resources -- in English and Spanish -- that you can download to share with colleagues at work or with family members and neighbors in an effort to keep everyone as healthy as possible over the summer.

Leonard Sandridge
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer