Limiting the Spread of H1N1

We've been hearing a lot about the H1N1 flu. But what exactly is it and how can you protect yourself from getting it? Here are some helpful answers.

H1N1 Flu Symptoms
The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu—fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, as with seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. So if you have one or more of these symptoms--you might want to contact your doctor.

What Can I Do to Reduce the Spread of the Virus on Campus?
• Stay home if you're sick. If you have flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine), except to receive medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to prevent them from becoming ill.
• Employees who are well--but have a family member with H1N1--can go to work as usual. However, they should monitor their health every day, notify their supervisor, and stay home if they become ill. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Make sure you throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available. The sanitizers are available at all Madison Area Technical College campuses.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are spread this way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Employees who suspect they have been exposed to someone with H1N1 may continue to go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day and should notify their supervisor and stay home if they become ill.

What is the College Doing to Protect Me?
• Madison Area Technical College is working with the Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Jefferson and Sauk County Health Departments to ensure our college is kept in the loop with how H1N1 is being combated. This is a valuable resource for recognizing the early signs of a county/state wide pandemic and potential impact to our campuses.
• 55 wall mounted Purell hand sanitizing dispensers have been installed across the district. Each dispenser contains 5000-plus pumps of foam sanitizing agent. The dispensers are located in  lobbies, front desks, near stairwells, near elevators, cafeterias, and other common areas where groups of people congregate.
• Custodial staff has worked hard this summer to deep clean all Madison Area Technical College campuses. They will continue their efforts throughout the year to clean and disinfect areas most likely to contain viruses and germs.
• Posters about H1N1 will be posted on bulletin boards across the district. Look for theses around your work area during September.
• The Clarion newspaper has printed a H1N1/seasonal flu article in its first issue of the semester. It highlights what students can do to prevent infection and what to do if they feel ill.
• Tips for preventing H1N1 will be displayed on TV monitors across the district to further communicate prevention techniques.
• MATC Matters will have the latest information on H1N1 throughout the year.

Proper Hand Washing 
• Wet your hands with warm, running water and apply liquid soap or use clean bar soap.
• Lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously together for at least 15 to 20 seconds.
• Scrub the backs of your hands, wrists, between fingers and under your fingernails. Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel.
• Use a towel to turn off the faucet.

Proper Use of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer
• Apply about 1/2 teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand.
• Rub your hands together--covering all surfaces of your hands--until they are dry.
• If your hands are visibly dirty--wash with soap and water, if available, rather than a sanitizer.

Questions?
Contact jcotillier[at] matcmadison [dot] edu (Joshua Cotillier )at (608) 246-6291.