An investigation and response effort surrounding the outbreak of swine flu in the U.S. is ongoing, and a public health emergency has been declared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

All members of the campus community need to be diligent in protecting ourselves by regularly visiting the site below to learn how to stay healthy and access the latest and most reliable information on the current outbreak: 

www.cdc.gov/swineflu

Loyola does have a pandemic flu plan in place and is in close contact with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which will take the lead in responding to such health threats if they develop.

According to the CDC, this new flu strain produces symptoms in humans similar to those of seasonal flu, including fever, sore throat, cough, chills, headache and body aches. Students who experience flu symptoms, such as onset of fever above 100 degrees, cough, or sore throat should come to the Health Center for evaluation. Employees should consult their personal physicians.

Health officials recommend following these precautions in limiting the spread of flu:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.
• Contain coughs and sneezes with tissues, or use a shoulder or crook of the elbow. Throw away the tissue in the trash after use, and wash your hands. 
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Use sanitizing or disinfecting agents often on frequently touched surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with others and their secretions. This means that handshakes, hugs and kisses as well as sharing drinking glasses, food and utensils should be avoided.
• If you get sick, the CDC recommends staying home from work and school, and limiting contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you wish to be seen at Loyola’s Health Center for flu symptoms, please call ahead so the clinic can be prepared to treat you.

The staff of Student Health and Education Services (410-617-5055) is here to assist and provide information; our hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Students may call our physician group at Sinai Hospital after hours and on the weekends at 410-583-9396 for questions or concerns; a physician will call you back within an hour.