CSC taking precautions against flu

One student who lives on campus has been diagnosed with Influenza A.

In order to minimize the spread of the flu, CSC personnel are working to communicate best practices for prevention and care.

CSC Nurse Ann Dockweiler said students with flu symptoms, such as fever, cough and sore throat, may call her office or their medical provider to discuss treatment options. Flu kits are available at the front desk of each residence hall.

There has been a lot of news during the past year about the H1N1 virus.

“In most cases, the symptoms caused by H1N1 are no more severe than strains caused by other influenza viruses,” she said. “However, the potential for this virus to spread is extremely high. For every person with the flu to visit the clinic would be dangerous to others in the waiting room, especially those considered to be high risk.”

Populations considered at increased risk of H1N1 include people 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

To limit the spread of a virus, Dockweiler said students with flu-like symptoms should cover coughs, wash hands and not enter large group settings until at least 24 hours after a fever abates without the aid of medication. While people considered to be at the highest risk may be given medical treatment, she said most healthy college students are not candidates for anti-viral medication because of its short supply.

CSC is following guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by not canceling classes, any large-scale events or quarantining students.

Complete information about the flu is available from Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1Flu/. More information may be obtained by contacting the nurse’s office at 308-432-6232 or nurse@femdomcenter.com.