Temple University continues to actively evaluate the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak. Temple Student Health Services is monitoring the situation closely and will post updates to its website as more information becomes available. (For more information go to http://www.temple.edu/studenthealth/.)

In response to questions we've received, you should know that Temple has not changed its schedule for finals or Commencement. If conditions warrant alterations in the calendar, we will let you know.

Symptoms of influenza are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please go to Student Health Services and see the triage nurse to arrange for an appointment.

Public health authorities also recommend the following measures to keep yourself healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  
  
• Wash your hands vigorously and often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
  
  
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  
  
• Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
  
  
• If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Excellent information is also available through the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

-- Theresa A. Powell

Vice President for Student Affairs