St. Catherine University continues to track information about the spread of H1N1 novel influenza virus. The H1N1 Emergency Operations Team, as defined in the University's Emergency Management Plan, is leading this effort.
We are monitoring the recommendations of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Please see the communications page for a MDH Health Alert issued Oct. 5, 2009.
We will use this website, the Parent Update, the Daily Update, e-mail and other means of communication to keep the University community informed.
Information and Resources
| | In addition to the online form where students can inform student affairs of their absence from class due to flu, here are websites with more information, including a flu self-assessment, the H1N1 Swine Flu Response Center that Microsoft Corporation licensed from Emory University.
The Minnesota Department of Health's MN FluLine is a toll-free number that can provide information and treatment options. The number is: 1-866-259-4655. |
Public health officials also recommend that individuals and families prepare a personal/family emergency plan, and the American Psychological Association's Help Center has tips for managing anxiety about the H1N1 flu
.
Symptoms and prevention
The symptoms of H1N1 flu include: high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, muscle aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
Although this outbreak is often referred to as "swine flu," it is, in fact, transmitted by human-to-human contact. The most effective means to contain the spread of H1N1 flu are:
- Practice respiratory etiquette. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleanser, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Stay at home if you are ill. Self-isolate if possible, at least 24 hours after you no longer are experiencing symptoms, especially fever.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Discuss flu vaccinations with your health provider.
Members of the campus community exhibiting any of the symptoms described above, should contact their primary care physician.
Students should contact their primary care physician or the University's Health and Wellness Center.
The Student Affairs Office has created an online absence due to flu form so students can inform their instructors that they will not be in class due to illness. You will need to log-in with your Kateway user name and password to access the form.
Students who do not have internet access can contact the Student Affairs Office at 651-690-6778.