Information About H1N1 (Swine) Flu: Dean Ammons Update 1
Posted by admin on Apr 29, 2009
Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:
I am writing to let you know that Widener University is closely monitoring the developments that have occurred globally in the past several days regarding the swine flu.
No one from the University community has reported any related symptoms. I would encourage everyone to monitor his or her own personal health and seek medical evaluation should you have a fever.
Generally, the incubation period of the swine flu is 3-4 days. If a person contracts the illness, symptoms would likely occur within that time frame. Traditional illness prevention methods – such as frequently washing your hands or using hand sanitizer lotions, along with covering coughs and sneezes with your arm or sleeve – remain important to reduce any potential spread of all such respiratory illnesses.
For a number of years, the University has been preparing for the potential of a global pandemic flu outbreak. In 2007, a University-wide task force was created and developed a University pandemic prevention and response plan. The task force meets regularly to assess the plan and works closely with local, state and federal officials.
More information about swine flu is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov. The Delaware Division of Public Health has information on its website: www.delaware.gov. Pennsylvania information can be assessed at www.health.state.pa.us.
Anyone who is planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories at http:/www.state.gov/.
As the situation evolves, we will update the University community as appropriate.
Sincerely,
Linda Ammons
Associate Provost and Dean