April 28 '09

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

As you are aware, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is actively investigating isolated human cases of swine influenza A in several states (CA, TX, OH, KS, NY) and is continuously updating investigation information. Information can be found at the following websites:

• General Information: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/investigation.htm
• CDC Health Advisory: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/pdf/HAN_042509.pdf

So far, the U.S. cases of this virus have been mild and treatable. However, due to possible rapid spread of this illness, Touro College is recommending the following actions:

1. Monitor your email regularly for further announcements. Additional information will be posted on the College’s website, www.touro.edu.
2. All students, faculty and staff should review the instruction below for good health habits. The information is from the CDC website www.cdc.gov.
   • Avoid close contact.
     Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick keep your distance, at least six feet, away from others to protect them from getting sick too. Remember, it is not offensive to move away from someone who is coughing and sneezing.
   • Avoid shaking hands.
     Since it is possible to become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it avoid shaking hands with people.
   • Stay home when you are sick.
     If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
   • Cover your mouth and nose.
     Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
     
     Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.
   • When washing hands with soap and water:
     • Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
     • Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
     • Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice through to a friend!
     • Rinse hands well under running water
     • Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet
     Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands.
   • When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
     • Apply product to the palm of one hand
     • Rub hands together
     • Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
   • When should you wash your hands?
     • After shaking hands
     • Before preparing or eating food
     • After going to the bathroom
     • After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
     • Before and after tending to someone who is sick
     • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
     • After handling an animal or animal waste
     • After handling garbage
     • Before and after treating a cut or wound
3. Students, faculty or staff who experience the following symptoms should call their personal physician. Fever of 37.8°C (100°F) plus cough or sore throat, OR recent onset of at least two of the following:
   • Runny nose or nasal congestion
   • Sore throat
   • Cough
   • Fever
   • Nausea and/or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
   If you are unable to reach your personal physician, the College has arranged for a physician’s care at the TOUROCOM Family Health Center, Touro’s College of Osteopathic Medicine health center in Harlem. Please call 212-410-8484 to arrange for an appointment. The Family Health Center will accept Touro College health insurance upon presentation of Touro identification. If you do not have health insurance, present your Touro College identification and you will only be charged a nominal fee.
4. If you have recently returned from Mexico, the CDC recommends that you pay close attention to your health for 7-10 days after your return. If you become sick with a fever plus a cough, sore throat or have trouble breathing during this time period, DO NOT OVERREACT. Contact your doctor for an appointment. When you make the appointment, tell the doctor your symptoms, where you traveled and if you have had close contact with a sick person or farm animals.