ACU monitors national swine flu outbreak

Abilene Christian University officials continue to monitor the outbreak of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1). The University is working closely with all appropriate agencies to stay informed on the latest local, regional and national health updates. All efforts are directed at ensuring the safety and well being of members of the ACU community.

Currently, the Taylor County Public Health District reports that there are no cases of swine flu in Taylor County.

During this phase of our response, we ask that faculty, staff and students help keep our community healthy by practicing healthy habits such as frequent hand washing and not coming to class or work if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. Use of a hand sanitizer is strongly recommended.

The ACU Medical Clinic recommends the following health precautions:

    * If you are ill, do NOT come to work or school, and limit contact with other people.
    * Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and/or sneezing. Immediately throw the tissue in the garbage.
    * WASH hands with warm soapy water. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and gels are suitable substitutes.
    * If you begin to experience flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), visit your physician immediately.
    * Wash or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands frequently, especially before eating.
    * Try to avoid contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected individuals.

Updates specific to the university’s response to this threat will be posted on the ACU Web site. More information about swine and/or pandemic flu is available from the following Web sites:

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at www.cdc.gov
World Health Organization (WHO) at www.who.int/en
Texas Department of State Health Services at www.dshs.state.tx.us

If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office or call (325) 674-2696.