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Swine Flu Update

To the St. Mary's College of Maryland Community 

Government officials have declared a national public health emergency as a precautionary measure to address the spread of swine flu in the United States and Mexico. Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The current outbreak originated in Mexico, and those afflicted elsewhere had recently traveled to Mexico.

Cases have been diagnosed in the United States. The interval between exposure to the virus and the actual symptoms is about 48 hours.

The symptoms include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Fatigue

The symptoms last 7 to 10 days.  The treatment is supportive care:

• Rest
• Lots of fluids
• Tylenol (acetaminophen) for fever

Contact your doctor if you have trouble breathing, or symptoms of dehydration. SMCM students should contact the health center at ext. 4289 if they have symptoms.

 The best defense against the flu is a good offense.

• Avoid close contact with ill people
• Cover your cough (sneeze or cough into your sleeve;  use a tissue if available and then throw that tissue in the trash)
• Thorough and frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, or using alcohol-based hand cleaners

For accurate, updated information got to the CDC information web site at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu 

Services Provided in the Health Center:

• Ambulatory medical care
• Self-care clinic
• Evaluation and treatment of acute minor illness or injury
• Immunizations
• Allergy shots
• Lab tests (by physician's order)
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications
• First aid supplies
• Referral assistance
• Health education and promotion
• Professional Counseling

See the HealthyLife® Students' Self-Care Guide for information on a variety of health-related issues!

Our Mission

St. Mary's College of Maryland Health Services is committed to facilitating the academic excellence of students by providing quality medical and preventative healthcare while educating students about healthy lifestyles in an environment that respects privacy, dignity, and diversity.

Our Staff

Alberta Hickman, RN

Director of Health Services                                                                                             

alhickman@smcm.edu  

Karen Mumbert, RN

Assistant Director of Health Services

kemumbert@smcm.edu

 Susan Ross, Office Associate

snross@smcm.edu

Carla Blanton, Office Assistant

cdblanton@smcm.edu

Dr. Jeffrey Brown, Contract Physician

Marie Tarlton, CRNP, Contract Nurse Practitioner