HEALTH ADVISORY:

2009 H1N1 PANDEMIC

To help ensure the health and safety of our community, officials at The University of Texas at El Paso this Fall 2009 continue to monitor the international flu outbreak. UTEP President Diana Natalicio has assembled a special task force to lead the University’s efforts to monitor and respond to the situation as necessary. The task force may be contacted at utephealthupdate@utep.edu.

UTEP classes, operations and events will continue as scheduled. However, if you feel ill or have flu-like symptoms, we strongly encourage you to stay home to avoid the unnecessary spread of illness to others. (Faculty and staff, please follow proper Leave Request procedures.)

UTEP officials are working closely with health officials in the Paso del Norte region and the State of Texas to monitor information, updates and recommendations related to H1N1 Influenza. We invite you to check this site regularly for any updates.

BULLETIN BOARD

• 2009 El Paso Flu Shot Locations
• Latest Campus Bulletin

DOWNLOAD FLYERS AND POSTERS Get Adobe Acrobat Reader:

UTEP, the City of El Paso and the Texas Department of State Health Services have created various informational flyers and posters to help prevent the spread of any type of flu. Please feel free to download and print these to display in your area.

• UTEP Flu Poster
• "Stop the Spread of the Flu" - (English)
• "Stop the Spread of the Flu" - (Spanish)

BE ALERT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has activated its emergency response center, and health officials strongly encourage you to be alert.

• View 2009 H1N1 Pandemic updates for: The City of El Paso Department of Public Health.
• Here are updates for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Weekly updates for the CDC.
• World Health Organization 2009 H1N1 Pandemic updates.
• Reported cases in the U.S. have been generally mild; however, severe H1N1 Influenza illnesses and deaths have been reported in persons with unrelated health conditions.
• Pregnant women, persons with immuno-suppression, and those with other respiratory or cardio conditions are at the greatest risk of complication due to H1N1. Seek medical advice if you have flu-like symptoms and are part of these populations.

If you are feeling anxious about the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic, visit the American Psychological Association Help Center to learn how to manage anxiety and maintain a positive outlook.

TAKE PRECAUTIONS

To prevent the spread of H1N1 Influenza (swine or any flu), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water.
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of used tissues properly. Wash your hands after sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid others with respiratory illnesses.
• Practice other good health habits; eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, exercise, manage your stress and drink plenty of fluids.
• If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading illness to others.
• Visit a doctor if you exhibit flu-like symptoms.

MONITOR EXPOSURE AND SYMPTOMS

The infectious period for confirmed cases of 2009 H1N1 Pandemic is one day before the onset of illness and up to seven days after. Symptoms of 2009 H1N1 Pandemic are similar to those of seasonal flu:

• fever of greater than 100 degrees
• sore throat
• cough
• stuffy nose
• chills
• headache and body aches
• fatigue

Some people with H1N1 Influenza have reported diarrhea and vomiting. As with seasonal flu, anyone with underlying chronic medical conditions may be more seriously impacted by H1N1 Influenza.

To help ensure the health of our community, we strongly encourage faculty, staff and students to be conscious of these symptoms and avoid contact with others if you are experiencing them.

WHO TO CALL

UTEP Students

If you are a UTEP student with these symptoms, please visit the University’s Student Health Services Center on Wiggins Road across from the UTEP Library http://www.utep.edu/health or call 915-747-5624.

UTEP Faculty and Staff

Faculty and Staff who become ill or suspect they are experiencing flu symptoms should not report to work. These employees should consult with a healthcare provider for treatment alternatives.

TRAVEL ADVISORY

Border crossings and travel restrictions: While non-essential travel to Mexico should be avoided due to violence in Mexico, World Health Organization (WHO) officials have said they do not recommend border closures or travel restrictions as a counter measure to the spread of the virus, noting that infected individuals may not show symptoms when they reach a border crossing. Additionally, WHO officials noted border closures would be economically disruptive and not particularly effective.

UTEP will continue working with the appropriate officials to notify the community of any changes.

Please visit the CDC site for travel advisories before planning or embarking on international travel: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/notices.aspx.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

If you are a member of the media and need expert sources or other assistance for flu-related stories, please contact:

Arleene Barrios Public Information Officer UTEP Office of University Communications Phone: 915-747-5526 E-mail: abarrios8@utep.edu

EN ESPANOL: DATOS SOBRE LA FIEBRE PORCINA

Para mayor información o datos importantes sobre la fiebre porcina (influenza o gripe porcina), http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/espanol/swine_espanol.htm.