FAQ
What is Lansing Community College doing about the swine flu outbreak?
LCC administration and health officials are monitoring the outbreak. A campus interdepartmental committee is reviewing the plan that is already in place for response to infectious disease outbreaks. This includes assuring that communications to students and employees are regularly updated and putting hand sanitizers in high traffic areas of our buildings.
What precautions should I take?
- Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Stay home if you are caring for a loved one with symptoms.
- Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, covering your nose and mouth as you do so. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. That’s how germs spread.
- Get a seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
- See your health care provider if you have symptoms of the flu (fever, aches, chills, worsening cough).
- Stay informed (www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and www.lcc.edu/flu)
Are there other precautions?
Stay informed about the latest developments regarding H1N1. The information changes quickly, so please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) at www.cdc.gov/h1n1 and the World Health Organization (WHO) at www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/ for the most current information.
Is there a vaccine for the swine flu?
A vaccine is currently in production and may be ready for public use this fall. Once the vaccine becomes available, LCC will follow CDCP guidelines as to who will receive it first. A priority list can be found at www.cdc.gov/h1n1.
What should I do if I get the flu?
Swine flu, like the other flu, is a respiratory illness. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fever and fatigue. If your fever is higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and accompanied by other symptoms, call your medical provider to determine whether you should be tested for flu.
If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, confusion, or a fever over 102 degrees, seek medical attention immediately.
What recommendations does the college have for students in class?
In addition to following the health recommendations at www.lcc.edu, you can avoid crowds. Ordinarily, the flu virus cannot spread beyond 3 feet. Students with fevers above 100 degrees Fahrenheit should seek medical attention and not attend class.
Students sick with the flu should contact their instructors to make appropriate arrangements. Faculty need to be mindful that many individuals with the flu will not see a doctor and that we do not want ill students in class.
What is Tamiflu and should I be taking it?
Tamiflu is an anti-viral medicine available by prescription. However, at this time the public health recommendation is that Tamiflu only be used in cases where a physician has diagnosed H1N1 and determines you are at risk for complications. The current strain is already developing some resistance to anti-viral medications, and unnecessary use or over use of anti-viral medications may render them ineffective when they are really needed.
Is it safe to travel internationally?
When there is an influenza pandemic, all air travel increases the risk of coming into contact with the virus. Also consider whether you will have access to good medical care at your destination. It would be wise to get advice about the health care system you are planning to visit before you depart.
Is there a risk using public computer keyboards?
Any space or object touched daily by many hands can harbor a virus or bacteria. You can wipe down keyboards or simply adhere to regular hand washing and avoid touching your nose and face to minimize exposure.
Should I wear a face mask?
Facemasks do not provide much protection. At this time there is no recommendation for healthy people to wear masks. If you are sick you should stay home. For more information about the effectiveness of face masks, visit the WHO website.
