As generally mild cases of Novel Influenza A (H1N1), also called swine flu, are still being reported throughout the United States, we at C.W. Post continue to follow the development of the virus, ensuring we are taking the necessary precautions to protect the health and well-being of our students. Medical experts (including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and State and County Departments of Health) continue to emphasize the following everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza, including:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• You may remain contagious for up to 24 hours after you feel clear of all symptoms, following an episode of flu.
• Swine Flu cannot be transmitted through pork products. They remain safe to eat as long as the meat is cooked properly.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of a regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. If you develop flu-like symptoms you should remain at home and seek medical care. Please also notify the C.W. Post Student Health and Counseling Center by phone at (516) 299-2345. Be sure to alert your doctor about your symptoms before making an office visit to ensure that the doctor’s office can take necessary precautions to protect themselves, other patients and staff.

For more information regarding Swine Influenza, please visit the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.

To: From: Date: Re:

C.W. Post Campus Community William Milford, Director of Student Health and Counseling April 27, 2009 Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus

As you are aware, New York State has activated the State's emergency preparedness plan, after eight cases of Swine Flu were confirmed at a Queens, New York high school.

While the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and can be spread from human to human, there have been no reports of swine flu at this time from students, faculty or staff on the C.W. Post Campus.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of a regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What can I do to protect myself from getting ill?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, the Center for Disease Control recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For more information about swine flu, please go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.

Please know that the C.W. Post Campus has a comprehensive Pandemic Flu Emergency Plan in the event of a health crisis. We also work closely with the Nassau County Department of Health, which is actively involved in crises of this nature. Updates and information can be found on the Student Health and Counseling Web site at http://www.cwpost.liu.edu/cwis/cwp/stuact/health/index.html.

Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention from their family doctor. Students should contact their family physicians, or the Student Health and Counseling Department, at (516) 299-2435.