Swine Flu: What Students (and You) Should Know

Over the past few days, a number of news reports have appeared about the swine flu. As of Wednesday, April 29, no cases have been reported in Washington. However, Seattle Pacific University is aware of the significance of this virus and the possible impact on a community such as ours.

What Is the Swine Flu?

Swine flu is a virus that affects humans similar to typical influenza. Symptoms include

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Headache
• Lack of appetite
• Body aches
• Coughing

Other symptoms may be a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. For more information about the swine flu, visit Center for Disease Control.

Ways to Stay Healthy

Although no swine flu cases have been reported in Washington, we encourage our community members to do their part to stay healthy:

• Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and warm water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. If you do cough or sneeze into your hands, wash them before touching anything.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Keep hydrated. Get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. Eat nutritious meals.
• Keep your room or office clean. Use a cleaner with a disinfectant. Clean table tops, phones, doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, etc.
• Stay at home or away from others if you are ill to prevent further transmission of germs.

Travel Precautions

It is possible that students, faculty, and/or staff have traveled to areas that have confirmed reports of swine flu. Please take precautions before returning to campus.

If you are planning a trip, check the CDC's travel advisory information. The swine flu can take up to seven days from contact to show symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, contact your health care provider. For students, SPU's Health Center is available.

We'll Keep You Updated

We've been monitoring the situation in Seattle and around the world, and we continue to receive updates throughout each day from Public Health-Seattle/King County.

More information will be shared with the SPU community as the need arises. 

If you have any questions or want to report any incidents, contact Jean Brown, director of the Student Health Center, at jbrown@spu.edu or 206-281-2231.

Or you can contact Jeff Jordan, associate vice president and dean of student life, at jordaj2@spu.edu or 206-281-2481.


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