GMC News

SWINE FLU ALERT:

With the daily increase in the number of confirmed cases of swine flu, the concern is escalating. As director of Health Services at Georgia Military College, I want to assure you that we are working diligently to protect the health of our campus community. Our clinic is maintaining a careful surveillance of illnesses on campus. Constant updates from both national and state school health organizations regarding recommendations and guidelines along with preparation for pandemic status are being monitored. I have been in contact with local public health officials and am a part of the Baldwin Community Pandemic Planning Committee. At this time, we need to be prepared but not panic. We all have a role in protecting ourselves and our families.

*Stay informed-the situation is rapidly changing. The federal government is mounting an aggressive response to reduce the impact of this disease. For up-to-date information, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website (www.cdc.gov)

*Practice and teach preventive hygiene measures- vigilant hand-washing, covering coughs with arm/sleeve (not hands) and keeping hands away from face.

*Please stay home if you have fever and flu symptoms (head ache, body aches, sore throat, cough, dizziness, nausea & vomiting) and limit contact with others.

*Consult your health care provider if symptoms develop. While there is no vaccine yet available to protect against this virus, there are antiviral medications that can be administered at the onset of symptoms to reduce the severity of the disease.

*Be prepared for the possibility of mandated social distancing (keeping our distance from each other to lessen the spread of the flu) such as closing of schools and other public gatherings. Store a supply of extra food, water and medications for your family.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.

Sharon McClung RN
GMC Health Services
(478)445-4747