H1N1 Flu: Preparation

 

President's Message — December 16, 2009

EOU Community,
As of Dec. 11, 2009, 1,274 confirmed hospitalizations and 63 deaths have occurred in Oregon, due to H1N1 flu. The Oregon Public Health Division continues to respond to the pandemic and provide leadership and resources for all Oregonians. Here's what's new.

Resources:

Oregon's flu hotline now has nurses available to give advice on exposure to the flu, prevention, symptoms and deciding when to see a doctor. Please keep the number handy and share it with family, friends and clients. The number to call is 1-800-978-3040.

The Oregon Public Health Division recently updated its flu Web site with new posters that promote flu-free work environments. Feel free to post these materials in the common areas of your work unit. The posters appear in English and Spanish. Look for "flu-free" under the Employer Resources section of the following page: http://flu.oregon.gov/Pages/BusinessesandEmployers.aspx

Vaccine Update:

On Monday, Dec. 14, Oregon Public Health officials expanded the availability of the H1N1 vaccine to everyone. Dr. Mel Kohn, director of Oregon Public Health Division, recommends that everyone get vaccinated, especially people who may be at high risk for complications during the flu. 

Cases of H1N1 flu have dropped off over the last few weeks, but there is a good possibility that additional waves of illness may occur over the next few months. Health officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated to prevent problems later this winter. Private healthcare providers, retail pharmacies and local public health clinics will receive the vaccine.

You can find public clinic locations for H1N1 vaccine at the following Web site or by calling the flu hotline, 1-800-978-3040: http://flu.oregon.gov/pages/vaccinelocations.aspx

Prevention:

I appreciate everyone's efforts to prevent spread of the flu. Every covered cough or sneeze, every minute spent washing your hands, every pump of hand-sanitizer, and every day spent at home when you are sick will help us sustain services to the campus community during this extraordinary year. Thank you again for your diligence.

Remember:  H1N1 flu is not a gift any of us want to get or give this holiday season.

 

 

Bob Davies

EOU President

 

Web resources: Web resources:

• EOU H1N1 Web site: http://www.eou.edu/h1n1/index.html
• Oregon's main flu site: http://flu.oregon.gov/
• Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
• PEBB: http://oregon.gov/das/pebb