Dear Lakeland Community College Students and Employees:

As fall classes continue this year and flu season progresses, events beyond our control could dictate quick and decisive action. In addition to the typical seasonal influenza, a unique virus, the 2009 H1N1 virus, is continuing its spread as the first global pandemic flu in 40 years.
For most, this 2009 H1N1 is causing more typical mild influenza symptoms. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggests that if you contract the flu, keep hydrated, take actions to reduce your fever, and get rest. The CDC also suggests one can resume normal activities 24 hours after fever subsides. In addition, those in high risk groups with predisposing medical conditions or suppressed immune states and pregnant women need to contact their health care provider for prevention and/or treatment.

Typical Symptoms of Influenza:

Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms:
· Fever (usually high)
· Headache
· Tiredness (can be extreme)
· Cough
· Sore throat
· Runny or stuffy nose
· Body aches
· Diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children)

Note: Other illnesses, including common cold, can have similar symptoms.

Prevention

The simple measures one can take to help prevent flu and reduce spread:
1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water especially after suppressing a cough or sneeze. If contacting surfaces or objects touched by those with illness, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and be very cautious about not touching mucous membranes of eyes, nose, and mouth.
2. Suppress coughs and sneezes with cloth or tissues. Coughing or sneezing into your elbow or shoulder is much more preventative than using one’s hands.
3. If ill with signs and symptoms, stay home so you do not spread the virus to others.

Vaccinations

There are two current vaccines being developed, one for the seasonal flu and the second for H1N1. The seasonal influenza vaccine is recommended for all and currently available but it does not protect against H1N1. The vaccine for H1N1 is now available but will be reserved for high risk groups

Impacts and Challenges for Lakeland

Impacts and challenges for this year are hard to predict for any educational organizations but as a community we can prepare and respond efficiently by being vigilant and following guidelines suggested by public health officials. Past pandemics remind us some influenza viruses change quickly with unpredictable effects.
Lakeland is working closely with the Lake County General Health District to monitor the seasonal and H1N1 influenza situation. Updates will be posted on the college Web site and the myLakeland portal as new information becomes available. These will include priority influenza-related notifications from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local Health Departments. If events do impact on Lakeland’s operations, information and instructions will be disseminated through these routes as well. Lakeland’s goals will be to conduct business as usual with a clear priority to protect the health and well-being of students, staff, and faculty.

Do what you can do to keep others safe.

Thanks,

Dr. Morris W. Beverage, Jr.

President

Reference information:
Why the 2009 H1N1 Virus is Different?
2009 H1N1 is:

1. a swine virus carrying genes from pig, human, and bird influenza viruses. This is a sign there is potential for genetic recombination and rapid change.

2. a virus demonstrating exceptional ability to spread during non-flu seasons. Since April this virus has spread globally and remained active during the summer season.
3. capable of infecting deeper tissues in the lungs. Although studies suggest the virus can do this, it does not appear to be particularly adept at this right now.
4. capable of infecting a variety of animal hosts. This enhances potential for mutation and/or genetic recombination.
5. a virus with potential for rapid, unexpected change. This change may not occur but surveillance and suggested precautionary measures are pro-active.

Some Links to More Information:

Information about seasonal flu: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Information about H1N1 flu: href=http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Ohio Department of Health H1N1 Site: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/landing/phs_emergency/panflu/panflumain.aspx

All updates