There have been cases of swine flu reported in several states across the country as well as internationally. No cases have been reported in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. 

While the federal government has declared a public health emergency as a result of several confirmed cases, the declaration is described as standard operating procedure to free up federal resources to combat the virus.

As a result of this outbreak, the Student Health Service would like to make the GW community aware of symptoms to look for and how to protect yourself from swine flu. 

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SYMPTOMS
The signs and symptoms are similar to regular seasonal human influenza and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches/ Headaches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Occasionally Diarrhea and Vomiting

The virus is mainly spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing  and respiratory secretions.  The flu is contagious one day before and up to seven days after symptoms start.

PREVENTION
Here are some ways that you can protect yourself: 

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds OR use alcohol based hand sanitizers because the virus lives for two hour on surfaces.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick with flu like symptoms.
• Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods and manage stress
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs spread that way

If you notice symptoms, stay home from work or school, avoid contact with people as much as possible, and call the Student Health Service or your medical provider for advice.  Your health provider will determine if influenza testing or treatment is needed.  Once confirmed, the Centers for Disease Control report that the swine flu virus is treatable with prescription antiviral drugs.

Please visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site for more complete information and facts at:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Additional information from the GW Medical Center is available online: http://www.gwumc.edu/weather/alert/gwumc_alert_information__update.htm

Student Health Service
2141 K Street, NW, Suite 501
Washington, DC 20037
Telephone: (202) 994-6827
Fax: (202) 973-1572
Web: http://gwired.gwu.edu/shs