H1N1 Influenza 'Flu' Update

Updated October 21, 2009
Local reports of influenza, but no serious outbreak at PPCC at this time. Students, please DO NOT go to class if you have any flu-like symptoms. Your faculty members will work with you if you must miss classes due to illness, Make sure you have their contact information to let them know if you will be gone for an extended time, and be sure to get a doctor's note as a backup.

Alert Level Phase 6
Refers to global spread, not severity

Pikes Peak Community College is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students, employees and visitors. PPCC has a Pandemic Flu Plan in place, and we are prepared to respond in the event that this virus impacts our campus.

At this time, College events, classes and exams will continue as scheduled. We are closely monitoring H1N1 flu developments and will make adjustments as needed. In the meantime, please check back to this site for ongoing updates. Also, please verify that your emergency contact information is up to date by visiting the PPCC Alert link at www.ppcc.edu/alert.

PPCC's preparations to handle a potential outbreak
Since the emergence of H1N1 flu as a potential public health threat, we have been in regular contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and the El Paso County Health Department. PPCC recently put up posters in all restrooms, kitchens, and high traffic areas listing precautionary measures we call all take to prevent the spread of contaminants. High use areas are being disinfected regularly.

Symptoms to watch for
H1N1 flu symptoms are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In a few cases, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting have also been reported. Like seasonal influenza, H1N1 flu can have symptoms that range from very mild to quite severe.

How to avoid infection and spreading the flu
To protect yourself and others from potential infection, we encourage you to follow the same strategies you would ordinarily use to protect yourselves and others during a normal cold and flu season:
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home if you are feeling sick
• Individuals with respiratory symptoms should don masks when in close contact with others.

If you have flu-like symptoms-fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue-contact your primary care provider.

For additional resources for up-to-date information, both locally and nationally.