Economics 2106: Principles of Microeconomics

Section 03            

H1N1 (Swine Flu) announcement from Faculty to students
Faculty: Dr. Christopher Clark
Course Abbreviation: ECON  Number: 2106

Georgia College & State University is working with local, state and national authorities to monitor the circumstances surrounding the swine flu (H1N1 flu).  Specific information regarding the H1N1 virus and its impact on the GCSU campus will be posted on this web site http://www.gcsu.edu/swineflu/ as it becomes available and as circumstances warrant.  The novel H1N1 influenza (swine-related) is now considered a pandemic which means the virus is widespread and occurring in most areas of the world. There has been at least one confirmed case in Baldwin County and possibly others. We expect there will be other cases.  So far, the population most affected, by the novel H1N1 flu are between the ages of 5 -24 years. We are therefore concerned that a large outbreak could occur on our campus. 

The Georgia College Emergency Response Team continues to encourage members of the campus community to use the same safe hygiene practices that you would with the seasonal flu, as outlined in the tips listed below.  This includes remaining at home if you feel sick or think you may be coming down with the flu.  It will be important for you to keep an open dialogue with your instructors through the alternative communication methods that have been established. 

At this point, Georgia College plans to continue normal operations and regular class schedules.  In the meantime, students, faculty and staff are advised to take the following simple, common sense steps to help keep themselves and others healthy:

Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.  It is advised that you avoid contact with others as much as possible until 24 hours after any associated fever has passed.

Cover your mouth and nose
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.

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.

Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. 

Vaccination.
With the new H1N1 virus continuing to cause illness in the US during the normally flu-free summer months and some uncertainty and about what the upcoming flu season might bring, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has taken an important step in preparations for a voluntary novel H1N1 vaccination effort to counter a possibly severe upcoming flu season.  The most current information from the Centers for Disease Control can be found at this web site:  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.  Please work with your health care provider or the GCSU Student Health Center and consider taking any vaccines as another preventative measure when they become available.

Flu shots will soon be offered by Student Health Services.  The cost will be $20 for faculty and staff and this year will be given free to students. When the novel H1N1 vaccine is available we will be offering the vaccine to faculty, staff, and students at no cost and according to CDC priorities.

If you become Ill:
If you become ill during the semester and you are unable to attend class, contact your instructor through the information listed on the course syllabus.  The department of Student Health Services located in 222 Beeson Hall, 478-445-5288 can provide assistance regarding your personal health.  

Please remember that the H1N1 virus is considered to be comparable to regular seasonal flu. The major difference is that not as many people will be immune to the swine flu virus.  Symptoms of the novel H1N1 flu are the same as seasonal flu. The usual symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, and occasionally nausea and vomiting.

The CDC recommends staying home for 24 hours after fever has subsided without the use of medications. Should symptoms worsen, persons with the flu should contact their health care provider.

Persons who are sick should stay home, away from others (called social distancing). You should stay away from those who are sick

Bottom line:
-          H1N1 influenza is here and the regular flu season is about to begin. We expect to see flu cases.
-          H1N1 is the flu and symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu. Prevention, containment, and treatment are the same
-          Get a seasonal flu shot
-          Practice good hygiene

Directions from the Instructor:
Alternative methods of contact – christopher.clark@gcsu.edu
Alternative course material delivery – Lecture notes and practice problems will be emailed to the infected individual or, in the case that I become infected, to the entire class.