June 16, 2009
Purdue continues to urge precautions against flu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Although the university is carefully monitoring for the recent H1N1 flu strain, there have been no cases reported on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. Seven cases have been reported in Tippecanoe County, where Purdue is located, and all patients have recovered.
"The university is monitoring the situation closely," said James Westman, director of the student health center. "There is no indication of a local emergency, but we are working proactively should the need arise."
Although the disease has been blamed for some deaths worldwide, the strain present in many areas of the United States appears not be as severe. Health-care professionals, however, are watching to see if it becomes more virulent in the fall.
As with most viruses, flu is spread in several ways: orally, by ingestion, by inhalation, or by splashing contamination on abraded skin or into puncture wounds. To prevent spread, Westman said:
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
* Cough into your sleeve or a tissue to avoid spreading germs. Do not cough into your hands.
* Put tissue in a wastebasket.
* Wash your hands with soap under warm running water for 20 seconds and rinse hands well. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and turn the knob on the door handle.
* Avoid contact with people who are ill.
If you are ill with flulike symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat and body aches, stay home, he advised. If symptoms worsen, contact your health-care provider. Purdue students may contact the student health center at 765-494-1700 or go to the center's urgent-care entrance off University Street.
The incubation period for the flu is normally 24-48 hours, and the contagious period lasts for seven days after the onset of symptoms. If you are a student and contract this strain of flu, alert your professor that you will be absent for that period and provide a medical release upon returning.
"If you know of anyone who has flulike symptoms, urge them to contact their health-care provider," Westman said. "Also let others know. For students, tell your residence hall assistants and leaders in fraternities, sororities and co-ops so they can help.
"We need to watch out for each other."
Basic flu symptoms include fever, cough/sore throat, fatigue and body aches. Symptoms calling for action vary by age. For infants and children, look for:
* Fast or troubled breathing
* Bluish skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Not waking or interacting
* Being so irritable that the child doesn't want to be held
* Flulike symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a worse cough
* Fever with a rash
For adults, look for:
* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
The university's pandemic plan is available at http://www.purdue.edu/emergency_preparedness/index.htm
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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