Recently, there has been increased news coverage regarding the occurrence of H1N1 (swine flu) outbreaks in certain countries and specific locations within the United States, including New York. 

Nyack College realizes that students, employees, parents, and others may have concerns about how our campus community is responding and preparing for this health issue.  Nyack is carefully monitoring all information that is released by the Center for Disease Control www.cdc.gov, the New York State Department of Health www.nyhealth.gov, the County of Rockland Department of Health http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/health, and the New York Statewide School Health Services Center http://www.schoolhealthservices.org/, so that we can keep our campus community updated on health recommendations and precautions.

Nyack College is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our college community and will take precautionary to measures to prevent the occurrence of this health issue on our campus.

In order to administer the H1N1 vaccine as widely as possible, David Paterson, New York Governor, issued an order declaring a state of emergency due to the increase in H1N1 cases. 

Paterson has stressed that this order is not to incite panic but to allow more qualified health care personnel to have the authority to administer the flu vaccine.  Current law does not allow some health care professionals to deliver the vaccine due to the limits on their professional duties.  This order waives any law that would prevent them from giving vaccinations.

According to the executive order, the categories of health care professionals who can give the vaccine have been expanded to include dentists, pharmacists, podiatrists, midwives and emergency medical technicians.

The H1N1 vaccine is beginning to be delivered in limited availability in Rockland County.  Your own doctor is your best option for getting H1N1 flu vaccine. Some health care providers have received supplies of H1N1 flu vaccine, while other providers are still waiting to receive their vaccines.

Check the following website frequently for updates: http://www.co.rockland.ny.us/Alert/H1N1Flu/H1N1FluInformation.htm. You can also call the flu hotline at 845- 364- 2633 or the New York State Flu Hotline 1-800-808-1987 (available 24 hours, 7 days a week). There may also be other sources of H1N1 flu vaccine available locally, such as pharmacies and other retail outlets. Check http://www.flucliniclocator.org/ to see if there are any vaccine clinics scheduled in our area. Call to make sure they are still holding the clinic as identified on the site.

How can I prevent the H1N1 (swine flu)?

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Make sure to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. 
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Alcohol-based hand sanitizes are also effective.
• Don't touch your eyes, nose or mouth to avoid the spread of germs.
• If you think you are getting sick, don't ignore your symptoms. You should see your doctor.
• Also limit your contact with others by staying home from work or school.
• Practice other good health habits: get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

What is H1N1 (swine flu)?

H1N1 (swine flu) is a new viral infection that has evolved from human, swine, and avian influenza viruses.  Human infections have been confirmed in several states and countries.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 (swine flu)?

Symptoms include fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, body aches, sore throat, cough, difficulty breathing, and, occasionally, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Is the H1N1 (swine flu) treatable?

The new strain is susceptible to the flu anti-viral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, of which there are large supplies in the United States.

Who is at risk for infection with H1N1 (swine flu)?

Those who have recently traveled to areas of confirmed human infection may be at risk for H1N1 (swine flu).  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is maintaining a list of affected areas:  
  
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_001

Will Nyack College cancel any events or activities?

At this time, Nyack has no plans to cancel any events that are currently scheduled.  The college will continue to monitor the impact of the swine flu and will follow the recommendations posted by global and national organizations (CDC and World Health Organization)
 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Michele Blanck, Director of Auxiliary Services (845) 675-4500.

The following websites offer access to useful documents:

• http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
• http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml
• http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/swine_flu/
• http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
• http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medilineplus/swineflu.html