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September 13, 2006

AVIAN FLU

Although the avian flu has yet to reach the United States, Southwestern is taking steps to prepare for such an emergency should it arise. The University has assembled a task force that is carefully monitoring recommendations being put out by organizations such as the American College Health Association and the Centers for Disease Control.

This task force also has developed plans for how Southwestern will respond at various stages of an avian flu pandemic. If campus operations are affected by the threat of avian flu, students, parents and employees will be notified through a variety of means.

Southwestern also has established a toll-free hotline that can be called to check the University's status in the event of avian flu or any other emergency. The number for this hotline is 1-800-992-9751.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS RELATED TO AVIAN FLU

How to protect yourself from getting the avian flu
  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Remember to wash long enough to sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" twice.
  • Give people their "space," especially if they are coughing.
  • Use tissues when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of them immediately and properly. If a tissue is not available when you cough or sneeze, use your upper sleeve and arm to cover it.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Eat a well-balanced diet.
  • Drink lots of water.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Stay home if you are ill.


    • Symptoms of avian flu
  • Fever, usually 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and lasting 3 to 4 days.
  • A cough is usual and can become severe.
  • Headache- sudden onset and can be severe.
  • Muscle aches are usual and often severe.
  • Extreme exhaustion- sudden onset and can be severe.
  • Fatigue with weakness lasting up to two weeks or more.
  • Runny nose, sneezing and sore throat sometimes occur.
  • Eye infections or conjunctivitis sometimes occur.
  • Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, viral pneumonia, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bleeding from the nose and gums have also been reported.


    • What to do if you have symptoms
  • Contact Gail Starzynski, R.N., at SU Health Services (512-863-1555) as soon as possible. Tests can be arranged to determine what kind of flu you may have, if necessary.

    AVIAN FLU AND STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS
    The presence of avian flu in a number of countries around the world is cause for concern, particularly for those working in the education abroad field. Southwestern is working with its study abroad program partners to monitor the situation around the world.

    The Web site for the School for International Training is a good source of information about travel advisories related to the avian flu. Most Southwestern students who study in countries where avian flu has been detected do so through SIT. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of information provided to them by their study abroad organizations.

    The University of California Education Abroad Program also has good fact sheets on the avian flu in relation to study abroad in particular areas of the world:
  • Asia fact sheet
  • Europe fact sheet

    • Parents and students with questions or concerns are invited to contact the Office of Intercultural Learning for more information (see contact information below).


    FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT AVIAN FLU

  • Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology

  • Center for Health and Health Care in Schools

  • Pandemicflu.gov (the official U.S. government Web site for information on pandemic flu and avian influenza)

  • World Health Organization

    • CAMPUS CONTACTS
    If you have questions about how avian flu might affect a particular area of campus, please contact the following individuals:

    Academics
    Jim Hunt, 512-863-1567, huntj@southwestern.edu

    Food Service
    Terry Truett, 512-863-1912, truettt@southwestern.edu

    Health Services
    Gail Starzynski, 512-863-1555, starzyng@southwestern.edu

    Residence Life
    Mike Leese, 512-863-1624, leesem@southwestern.edu

    Study Abroad
    Sue Mennicke, 512-863-1857, mennicks@southwestern.edu

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