Safety Advisory for Mercer Students, Faculty and Staff Regarding Swine Flu

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Mercer University is monitoring local, state, national and international developments concerning the outbreak of swine influenza. Currently, there are no suspected or confirmed cases in Georgia. We will provide additional updates as needed.

Information for your personal preparations can be found on the following Web sites:

www.pandemicflu.gov — U.S. Department of Health & Human Services-sponsored website
www.cdc.gov/swineflu — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_29/en/index.html — World Health Organization

Summary information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Some basic personal health precautions include:

Stay informed. Check the Web sites referenced above on a regular basis.
Take everyday actions to stay healthy:

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. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.