This is Mid-State Technical College's official site for information related to H1N1. In addition to college-related updates, a link to the United States Department of Health & Human Services website is provided. (See the link to the right KNOW What to Do About the Flu.) Please visit this page for the latest news from MSTC.

We've been hearing a lot about the H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu.  But what exactly is it and how can you protect yourself from getting it?

Symptoms
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat – often severe
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Additionally, as with seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. So if you have one or more of these symptoms—you might want to contact your doctor.

Prevention
What can I do to reduce the spread of the virus on campus?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend these everyday steps to protect your health and the health of others around you:

• Stay home if you're sick. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine), except to receive medical care or for other necessities.
• Keep away from others as much as possible to prevent them from becoming ill.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don’t have a tissue, sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used if soap and water are not available. The sanitizers are available at all MSTC campuses.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Get a seasonal flu shot now and watch for information about the H1N1 vaccination later this fall.
• If you have underlying medical concerns such as diabetes, asthma, sickle-cell disease, cardiovascular disease, a compromised immune system, or a pregnancy, you should establish a care plan with your medical provider now, before getting sick.
  
  

What to do if you become ill
Most people who contract this flu are ill for five to seven days.

• Until 24 hours after your fever subsides, you should not attend class, go to work, or attend events where you will be in close proximity with others.
• Stay home, drink plenty of fluids, treat your fever with fever-reducing medication, and get plenty of rest.
• If your symptoms do not improve after several days, contact your primary health care provider for advice.
  
  

What is the College doing to protect me?

• MSTC is working with the Adams, Portage and Wood County Health Departments to ensure the College is kept in the loop with how H1N1 is being combated. This is a valuable resource for recognizing the early signs of a county/statewide pandemic and the potential impact to our campuses.
• Wall mounted alcohol-based hand sanitizing dispensers have been installed in high traffic public areas at MSTC campuses.
• Custodial staff have worked hard this summer to deep clean all MSTC campuses. They will continue their efforts throughout the year to clean and disinfect areas most likely to contain viruses and germs.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers and/or wipes will be placed in all classrooms and labs to disinfect your work/learning space. These are for your protection.
• Tips for preventing H1N1 will be displayed on TV monitors and posters to further communicate prevention techniques.