“The University of Virginia is working closely with local and state health officials on management and mitigation plans for a major outbreak of flu,” said Marjorie Sidebottom, director of U.Va.'s Office of Emergency Preparedness. She also serves on the Commonwealth of Virginia's pandemic advising committee. "We have been planning for a number of years for a flu pandemic, with a focus on managing large infection rates should they occur," Sidebottom said. As it has in the past, the University will hold vaccination clinics for regular "seasonal" flu, beginning early this fall for students, faculty, and staff. In addition, several H1N1 flu vaccination clinics are planned once the vaccine becomes available.

Flu symptoms:
Headache, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, and stuffy nose. Swine flu can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in 30–40% of cases.

Ways to prevent the spread of germs:
Stay home when you are sick or have flu symptoms, get plenty of rest, and check in with your doctor as needed. Cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw away the tissue, and wash your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15–20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers when water is not available, and rub hands until dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, because you may have come into contact with germs by shaking hands, and/or touching doorknobs and stair handrails. Darden has placed alcohol-based gel sanitizer dispensers at each main entrance of the Grounds, and in each restroom on Grounds. Individual sanitizer hand wipes are available to all participants in Executive Education programs.

For additional information:
Office of Emergency Preparedness
www.virginia.edu/emergency/h1n1.html

Virginia Department of Health
www.vdh.state.va.us/

Centers for Disease Control H1N1 Web site
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/