Dear Seminary Community:

Although, according to a report given by Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, the influenza A (H1N1) is most likely a milder strain than was first feared, it continues to spread and it is extremely important to follow the cautions given from the very beginning of outbreak.

On the basis of what is currently known about the ongoing spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) and, as a means to prevent the further spread of disease on and off the campuses, please continue to follow these directives as well as any local governmental advisories and directives.

In the event you experience the Symptoms of swine flu, which are no different from symptoms of influenza of other kinds, such as fever and cough, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose (symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and chills) you are asked to see a physician and to stay off campus and away from classes, the library and other common areas.

Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have ILI (Influenza Like illness) should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their campus apartment or home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. Those living in our campus housing are asked to report your illness to the resident manager and to see a physician.

If persons with ILI must leave their home or apartment (for example, to seek medical care or other necessities) they should cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and wear a loose-fitting (surgical) mask if available.

Please continue to Practice good health habits

  1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
  2. Stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. When a tissue is not available, coughing or sneezing into your sleeve is the best way to prevent the spread of the germs.
  4. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. You may also use an alcohol-based hand gel containing at least 60% alcohol.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  6. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

This information is provided as a service and must not take the place of your personal attention to your own health.

Please direct any questions to Dr. Garippa at [email protected]. (Email is preferred for documentation purposes, but if talking by phone is necessary call 214.874.4491 and leave voicemail if not answered)