A Message from the Office of Risk Management
and Operations about Influenza A(H1N1)
There continues to be much news concerning Influenza A(H1N1) - formerly referred to as Swine Flu - in the media. The college is monitoring the situation and will act in accordance with information provided by federal, state and local government, and /or the Buncombe County Health Department.
At this time, the best steps you can take to protect yourself and others from this strain are to follow the following normal flu prevention measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before and after each meal and after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or cloth and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not your hands, to cover your nose and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- If you get sick with the flu, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Disposable surgical-type masks help prevent the spread of viruses through coughs and sneezes, but they are not a substitute for the other protection strategies listed above. Please observe all of these measures diligently.
The following information was drawn from the CDC web site:
What is Influenza A(H1N1)?
Influenza A(H1N1) - formerly referred to as Swine Flu - is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of Influenza A(H1N1) happen regularly in pigs. Most commonly, human cases of Influenza A(H1N1) happen in people who are around pigs, but it is also possible for Influenza A(H1N1) viruses to spread from person to person.
Is this Influenza A(H1N1) virus contagious?
The CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in people?
The symptoms of Influenza A(H1N1) in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with Influenza A(H1N1). In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with Influenza A(H1N1) infection in people. Like seasonal flu, Influenza A(H1N1) may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How do you catch Influenza A(H1N1)?
Spread of Influenza A(H1N1) can occur in two ways:
- Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with Influenza A(H1N1).
- Through contact with a person with Influenza A(H1N1). Human-to-human spread of Influenza A(H1N1) has been documented and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. The flu is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you become ill with flu-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
Can I get Influenza A(H1N1) from eating or preparing pork?
No. Influenza A(H1N1) viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get Influenza A(H1N1) from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
The college will communicate further information should we experience an outbreak of Influenza A(H1N1) in Buncombe County. For immediate information about Influenza A(H1N1), you can call the Buncombe County Health Center Hot Line at (828) 250-6400, or find information at the following web sites:
- www.buncombecounty.org
- www.cdc.gov/swineflu
- www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm
- www.hhs.gov
- www.acha.org/info_resources/flu_H1N1_2009.cfm
- www.pandemicflu.gov
Thank you.
The Community's College, Dedicated To Student Success
