Swine Flu Information
Everett Community College is preparing for potential cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) to affect students and employees during Fall 2009. Symptoms of swine flu are the same as the regular seasonal flu. To educate and raise awarenes, we are:
- Installing wall-mounted hand sanitizers in large computer labs
- Posting signs about correct hand-washing techniques in all bathrooms
- Updating the health & safety and emergency management plans
EvCC also hosted the H1N1 for K-12, Colleges and Universities Summit" on Oct. 2, 2009.
Swine influenza (www.doh.wa.gov/h1n1/) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus. This new strain is being spread by person-to-person contact. There’s no risk from eating properly cooked pork or pork products.
Stay informed about this health issue at the Washington State Department of Health website, www.doh.wa.gov and the Snohomish County Health District website, www.snohd.org
Additional information is also available from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ This website includes:
Help Stop the Spread of Germs
Keep the germs away:
- Wash your hands before eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Wash your hands after touching anyone who is sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.
- Don’t share things like towels, lipstick, toys, or anything else that might be contaminated with respiratory germs.
- Don’t share food, utensils or beverage containers with others.
Keep your germs to yourself:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
- Discard used tissues in the trash as soon as you can.
- Always wash your hands after sneezing, blowing your nose, or coughing, or after touching used tissues or handkerchiefs. Wash hands often if you are sick.
- Use warm water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers to wash your hands.
- Try to stay home if you have a cough and fever.
- See your doctor as soon as you can if you have a cough and fever, and follow their instructions. Take medicine as prescribed and get lots of rest.
- If asked, use face masks provided in your doctor’s office or clinic’s waiting room. Follow office or clinic staff instructions to help stop the spread of germs.
Source: Washington State Department of Health
More Information
Snohomish County Health District: www.snohd.org
A recorded message from the Health District about swine flu in English and Spanish is available by calling 425-339-5266.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the Web— www.pandemicflu.gov
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm
World Health Organization - www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
EvCC Emergency Communication
In the event of any emergency that calls for college status changes or closures, the college will post information:
- By message on the main phone line at 425-388-9100
- On an opening screen of the EvCC website at (www.everettcc.edu)
- Sent via text message for subscribers (sign up now)
- Online through the Public Schools Emergency Communication System (PSECS) Schoolreport.org Info
