UALR is closely following the swine flu outbreak. and is taking steps to keep students, faculty, and staff aware of current information and educational resources that may be find helpful. Please watch your UALR email inbox and the UALR homepage for any campus updates from the Pandemic Planning Committee. The lastest information about the location of suspected cases can be found at www.cdc.gov/swineflu

“UALR Health Services is in constant contact with the Arkansas Health Department and is monitoring CDC bulletins regarding the swine flu,” said Dr. Keith W. Cooper, MD.  “Protocols and policies are in place and have been reviewed in the last few days to protect students and staff.   To give perspective, regular influenza — or plain old non-swine “flu” —  infects about 10-20 percent of the population and kills an average of 36,000 Americans each year.  So although the swine flu should be taken seriously, it is not a reason for panic.”

Most patients with swine flu have recovered fully and reported that their symptoms were mild. The federal, state and local authorities are working closely and are diligent in their efforts to determine the source of the infection and to help stop the spread of the swine influenza viruses.

Handwashing is the single most effective tool to prevent transmission of any disease and should be done before eating and preparing food, after visiting the restroom, and after playing with pets.

Flu vaccines administered in fall 2008 and winter 2009 do not protect against swine flu. Therefore, there is the potential for swine flu to spread rapidly because of the lack of immunity to the illness. Please note that this is not the avian flu that has had a high fatality rate in other countries in previous years.

Universities are more susceptible to the spread of illness mainly because of their population density. For that reason, we ask that you become more conscious of your health habits, particularly in the coming weeks. Wash or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands frequently, especially before eating, and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze. Keep hands away from the  mouth, eyes,  and nose. Use tissues to block sneezes and deposit used tissues in a trash can immediately. Do not place it on any surface that others might touch. Anyone with the follow symptoms should stay away from work or classrooms:

* a sudden fever

* body aches and pains

* coughing

* unexplained fatigue

Individuals with swine flu may also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and/or a runny nose and sore throat. Anyone with symptoms above, should call a health provider or the  UALR Health Services at 569-3188.

Helpful websites:

General information: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
Handwashing: www.washup.org

Janis Lewis, APRN, BC
Family Nurse Practitioner
Director of Health Services
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Office 501.569.3189