Normandale Community College - H1N1 Flu Preparedness
Normandale Community College is monitoring the H1N1 status in the community with advice from the Bloomington Public Health Division and the Office of the Chancellor. Continue to visit this Web page for the latest updates from Normandale's Pandemic Preparedness Committee.HOW CAN YOU STAY HEALTHY?
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the trash immediately after you use it. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze, for 20 to 30 seconds (about the amount of time it takes to sing the alphabet song). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- If you have flu-like symptoms - fever over 100 degrees, coughing and respiratory problems - stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. If you're not sure, you can take a self-diagnosis assessment.
The Minnesota Department of Health has a number of helpful resources:
- Novel H1N1 Flu: Protecting Yourself and Your Community: A basic fact sheet updated weekly and translated into several languages.
- Can I get my H1N1 flu shot yet? Regularly updated messages about the H1N1 vaccine in Minnesota, including a tool to help you find a shot once they become available.
- How long should a person with influenza-like illness stay home? A chart to help you figure out how long you or your child should stay away from school or work after being sick with influenza.
NORMANDALE PRECAUTIONS
The college has activated its Pandemic Preparedness Plan to address needs related to the possible outbreak of H1N1 at Normandale. The following precautions are being implemented:
- Hand sanitizer dispensers will be installed throughout common areas on campus.
- Sanitizing wipes will be available in computer labs and computer classrooms.
- Additional cleaning shifts have been added focusing on restrooms and common touch surfaces like doorknobs and railings.
- Order santizer or disinfecting wipes for your office area (this will take you to the Landport work order system utilized by Building Services where you can fill out a work order requesting supplies).
RESOURCES:
World Health Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Minnesota Department of Health
