Swine Flu Coming

A swine flu outbreak has been reported nationally. There's no need to panic, but you need to be careful.

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A note from Kristin Phelps, Director of the Biola Health Center:

The Student Health Center is working closely with the Los Angeles Public Health Department in regards to policy and procedure concerning the recent swine flu outbreak.

To date, there have been no documented cases of swine flu in Los Angeles County or Orange County.

Symptoms of swine influenza include: 1) fever over 100 degrees 2) respiratory symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, and 3) possibly other symptoms such as body aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Another key factor, if you have these symptoms, is recent travel to Mexico or contact with a sick person who has recently traveled to Mexico.

The Health Center recommends these precautionary measures:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

If you get sick:
• You are a commuter student, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• You are a resident student, stay in your room/apartment to limit contact with others.
• Contact your doctor or the Health Center to seek more information on what you should do.

For more information on swine flu see these web sites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.biola.edu/healthcenter.