Thomas Jefferson University
Swine Influenza Information
Swine Flu FAQs
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Symptoms
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University Health Services
During the past week there has been significant coverage of the outbreak of Swine Flu in the United States and abroad.
On April 27, 2009, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a travel advisory recommending that people avoid “non-essential travel to Mexico” (e.g., that they postpone Mexican vacations or other non-necessary trips to the country). For up-to-date CDC travel warnings, advisories, and other notices for Mexico and other destinations, visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health page.
Jefferson is in daily contact with local, state and federal agencies to ensure that we have the most up to date information. We are well prepared and well stocked with protective equipment and supplies should we be required to handle an emergency
Symptoms of swine influenza are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestion, and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting.
To protect the health of everyone in the Jefferson community the following procedures must be followed by all students, faculty and staff:
- Anyone who has recently traveled to Mexico must be seen in University Health Services prior to returning to work or class, (whether or not flu symptoms are present). At that time a screening for fever will be conducted. Please call UHS at (215) 955-6835 if you have any questions.
- Any student who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact the University Health Services immediately.
- Faculty and staff who experience flu-like symptoms should contact their personal physicians. If they are diagnosed with fever, they will need to contact the University Health Services prior to arrival for work.
- Any Jefferson community member who becomes aware of an exposure to a person diagnosed with swine flu should contact the University Health Services as well.
As in any situation when influenza is present, it is important for everyone in the Jefferson Community to take personal responsibility for infection control. Please 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 your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue away after you use it.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you are sick and limit contact with others as much as possible.
Thomas Jefferson University and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health continue to monitor the situation closely.
date revised 05/03/09
Latest Info
For up-to-the-minute information about influenza, please see the CDC website.
For up to the minute information about the Philadelphia area please see the Philadelphia Department of Public Health website.
STAFF & FACULTY
Inquiries about international travel should be directed to the Office of International Affairs at (215) 503-4335.
