H1N1 (Human Swine Influenza) - Information
As most of you know, the H1N1 virus is affecting many people across the country. Western College, along with its staff and students, must be prepared for the eventuality of the breakout of the H1N1 virus. Vaccines are currently being made available to targeted individuals in Newfoundland/Labrador. Students and staff are urged to contact the provincial department of health for specific information regarding the vaccination process. Starting on Monday, November 2, 2009, Western Health will be rolling out the mass immunization campaign.
Bay St. George Vacinations Schedule
The following schedule applies to individuals with chronic illnesses and conditions such as heart/liver/kidney disease, blood disorders, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, chronic lung disease, compromised immune systems, and those with neurological disorders.
| Region |
Date/Time |
Location |
Stephenville and
Bay St. George |
November 1 -- 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Originally scheduled for November 5 and 6)
|
West Coast Training Centre |
Vaccination of all school age children will begin the week of November 9 and
will take place in a school setting. A detailed schedule will be announced the week of
November 2, 2009.
Mass Immunization Clinics for the general population will start on the week of November 16. Mass Immunization Clinics will take place in the following communities.
o Port Saunders
o Rocky Harbour
o Deer Lake
o Pollards Point
o Woody Point
o Corner Brook
o Stephenville
o Burgeo
o Port aux Basques
o LaPoile
A detailed schedule will follow.
Source: Western Health
Preventing the H1N1 Virus
Hand sanitizers have been installed at the campus and are located in public areas such as hallways, reception areas, and washrooms. Students and staff are encouraged to wash and sanitize their hands frequently. Posters have been displayed throughout the campus demonstrating proper hand washing techniques, as well as sneezing and coughing etiquette.
Learning more about the H1N1 Flu can help reduce the likelihood of transmission and illness at Western College. Below you'll find basic information about H1N1 along with other details to keep you informed.
Containing the H1N1 Virus
H1N1 symptoms include:
| Fever |
| Headache |
| Cough |
| Sore throat |
| Runny and stuffy nose |
| Extreme fatigue |
| Muscle aches |
| Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (symptoms may occur but are more common in children) |
|
|
If you experience any of these symptoms, remain at home until you are symptom-free; avoid close contact with others and see a health care professional if symptoms worsen. If you are exposed to someone with the H1N1 virus, but are not experiencing flu-like symptoms, you may continue your day to day activities while maintaining proper hygiene and etiquette.
Absences from school due to the H1N1 Virus
Students who miss class time due to the flu, are expected to contact administration by phone or e-mail. Missed assignments and homework will be made up upon returning to class as with any absence, but extra help may be available through discussion with your instructor upon your return. Exams or tests missed during absences will be rescheduled. These precautions are not meant to alarm students but are to ensure that we are all prepared with procedures that will ensure student success in the event of a break out of the H1N1 virus.
For answers to frequently asked questions associated with the H1N1 Virus, please select the link to the H1N1 Preparedness guide.
Additional information:
|
