Like many of you, the State Center Community College District is concerned about the H1N1 flu epidemic, also referred to as the “Swine Flu.” Be assured that we are carefully monitoring developments and are coordinating with the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Disaster Resistant California Community Colleges Task Force (DRCCC) to take proper steps to manage this emerging situation. 

Additionally, the District’s Crisis Team is actively collaborating. This team, comprised of District Police, Health Services, Psychological Services, Environmental Health, and the Public Information Office is working together along with the County of Fresno Department of Public Health Emerging Infectious Disease Task Force to gather information, advise my office, implement recommendations, and if necessary, at my direction, deploy our District-wide Emergency Response Plan.    

At this time, it is prudent that everyone follow the Center for Disease Control recommendations for flu prevention. Please follow these flu prevention tips:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with flu, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

The symptoms of H1N1 flu are very similar to the typical seasonal flu. Symptoms include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, heat and body aches, lack of appetite, and lethargy. With H1N1, there have also been reports of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you are suffering from these symptoms, stay home from work and consult your health care provider; they will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

As I’m sure you have seen, there are many sources of information available to consult regarding H1N1. Below are a few of the governmental sites to help you become better informed. I will also be providing you with additional updates if the District should need to take further actions.  

Internet Resources

• State Chancellors Office DRCCC Task Force
• County of Fresno Department of Public Health
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• California Department of Public Health

Thomas A. Crow, Ph.D.
Chancellor
State Center Community College District
chancellor@scccd.edu