In light of the recent Influenza A (H1N1) worldwide pandemic, AUK is working to make our campus as healthy as possible. We are working closely with the Kuwait Ministry of Health to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. It is important to note that the University is operating as normal.
As you may know, flu can spread easily from person to person, so we are taking steps to minimize the spread of flu at AUK, but we need your help to accomplish this.
Below are measures currently being taken by AUK to safeguard our Campus Community:
-
The University has formed a working group to coordinate campus-wide efforts related to H1N1, to work with the relevant Ministries, and to develop contingency plans.
-
On Monday, October 5th at Noon, a lecture on the Influenza A (H1N1) virus took place at AUK in the Liberal Arts Building Auditorium. The lecture and question and answer period were conducted by Dr. Jaafar Dawood from the Kuwait Ministry of Health. Dr. Dawood also viewed the campus hygiene and prevention arrangements and praised the AUK flu information flyer. The lecture has been summarized in the press and was also videotaped by AUK.
-
AUK’s website currently contains H1N1 information regarding preventative measures, useful resources, and will include further details on AUK’s efforts to handle this pandemic.
-
Posters and flyers are posted around AUK’s Campus to inform all members of the AUK Community. Information includes signs and symptoms, preventative measures everyone can take to stay healthy, as well as additional resources.
-
Hand washing signs have been placed in wash rooms, and wash rooms are being checked even more regularly for stock and cleaning needs.
-
Hand sanitizer dispensers & disposable wipes are being made available in public areas on Campus.
-
Regularly scheduled cleaning of high traffic surface areas (door handles, elevator panels, labs, etc.) is underway.
-
E-mails have been sent out to students giving instructions on ways to stay healthy and how to be academically responsible if you feel unwell.
Further e-mails will be sent out in the future with additional instructions and updates as needed.
Here are a few things YOU can do to help:
-
Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
-
Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
-
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
-
Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
-
If while on campus you feel unwell visit the AUK Clinic (open 8am-8pm, Sunday-Thursday), and be examined by the nurse. If you look unwell or are exhibiting flu-like symptoms you may be referred to the AUK Clinic by a supervisor or member of the faculty or staff. This is for the general well-being of all members of the AUK Community.
-
Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm
If you are sick with the flu
If you are sick with the flu, below are some tips on how to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy:
-
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
-
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
-
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-
Sick people should stay at home or their residence; except to go see a physician.
-
Stay in separate room and avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they are in the room.
-
Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
-
Contact your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatments. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older.
-
Contact a physician or medical right away if you are having difficulty breathing or getting worse.
For specific information on how to take care of someone who is sick, visit: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.
For now, we are doing everything we can to keep our University operating as usual. If this year’s flu season becomes severe, AUK may take additional steps to maintain as healthy a Campus environment as possible. For more information about the flu and what AUK is doing, visit www.auk.edu.kw . For the most up-to date information on H1N1 flu, visit the Kuwait Ministry of Health website http://www.moh.gov.kw/, or visit www.flu.gov,
We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.
|
