Flu prevention measures continueJan. 6, 2010 KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University is continuing the same practices and recommendations used successfully during fall semester to reduce the spread of influenza-like illness on its campuses. In separate e-mail messages sent earlier this week to WMU students and their families, and to faculty and staff, University officials urged the WMU community to continue following the instructions and recommendations offered at wmich.edu/flu.
"We are entering what is traditionally the worst of the flu season," said Dr. Lisa Marshall, WMU medical director. "No one can predict how widespread flu-like illness will be this winter, but we know both H1N1 and seasonal flu will be present." WMU's Flu Information Center offers separate recommendations for students and families and for faculty and staff. Stop Flu signs required Signs originally posted in September are still required at all entrances to WMU buildings, urging those who have flu symptoms to stay home. Building coordinators have been instructed to replace any missing or damaged signs. Additional signs can be obtained from Dr. Patricia Holton, public safety, or downloaded as a PDF file from the Flu Information Center Web pages. Other signs may not be posted on building entrances without expressed approval of facilities management or public safety. Signs should never be placed on elevator doors, inside elevators or in emergency exit stairwells. Flu cases increasing According to the Centers for Disease Control, reported influenza-like illness increased significantly throughout the country during the holiday season after steadily declining in November and early December. Despite falling activity during November and December, the H1N1 virus never disappeared, according to the World Pandemic Monitor. "As pandemic influenza outbreaks continue during the winter and spring, businesses should review pandemic response plans and prepare for the possibility of higher-than-normal absenteeism." Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News |
