UK Community Asked to Prevent Spread of Flu
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 14, 2013) ― As the number of flu cases increases in Kentucky, the University of Kentucky Police Division of Crisis Management & Preparedness (CMP) is appealing to the UK community to take precautions to discourage spread of the virus.
CMP is currently working with state and local emergency response and public health agencies to monitor and address illness-specific concerns as they relate to the university, and at this time does not see a need to escalate otherwise normal preventive efforts at UK.
CMP is offering the following information, which is also available at the CMP website http://www.uky.edu/EM/Flu_Information.html, where any updates can be found:
How Influenza Spreads
Quite simply, influenza is a serious, infectious, viral respiratory disease. Cases of influenza occur all year round, but most cases occur during December through April.
The virus spreads from the nose and throat of infected persons by droplet secretions to the nose and throat of other people. If susceptible, those people can also become infected and develop symptoms of illness. An adult can spread influenza anytime from 24 hours before, up to five days after showing symptoms; children may be able to transmit the virus to others for as long as seven or more days after showing symptoms.
Prevention at UK
UK faculty, staff, students and visitors are asked to do their part to prevent spreading the flu by adhering to good health habits. Please follow these CDC recommendations:
- The primary method of preventing seasonal influenza (and its more severe complications) is by obtaining the influenza vaccine each year. If you haven't been vaccinated, consider getting the flu vaccine now.
- A simple way to prevent illness is to practice good hygiene, specifically hand washing -- before meals and especially after encounters with those who are sick. Use soap and water and if that is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs spread easily that way. Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with flu germs.
- If you are sick: avoid contact with other people until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical advice. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, followed by washing your hands.
- Also, if you are sick, take antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them. Studies show that flu antiviral drugs work best for treatment when started within two days of getting sick, but starting them later can still be helpful.
For Campus Supervisors
In an effort to reduce the impact that this year’s flu season has on the university’s operations, the Division of Crisis Management & Preparedness is requesting that department heads report instances of abnormal staffing, which affects or is expected to affect operations, to CMP@uky.edu.
For more information, please visit:
Federal Government Information - www.flu.gov
The CDC Flu Site - www.cdc.gov/flu/
Weekly Summary - www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm
Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services - http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/Influenza.htm