Students Encouraged to Take Precaution as Flu Season Continues
With the start of the spring semester scheduled to begin on Jan. 29, Fullerton College is encouraging students and staff to take extra precaution and care as the flu virus continues to spread increasingly around the nation and locally.
According to the latest report by the CDC, the flu virus has reached widespread activity across the U.S., excluding Hawaii. In California alone, flu activity is higher than this time last year and has already claimed the lives of at least 27 people younger than 65. The California Department of Public Health estimates the flu will continue well into February and in some cases will be seen into early May. This puts students at risk for nearly the entire spring semester.
“It’s extremely important for students and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay home,” said FC Health Services Director Vanessa Miller. “In order to prevent the spread to others, they should be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to work or school.”
Miller also recommends students and staff take precaution to limit their risk of getting the flu. Some things to consider are:
- Get a flu shot if you haven’t already
- Wash hands with soap and warm water regularly
- Limit or avoid close contact with sick people
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and office areas that may be contaminated with germs like the flu by using disinfectant wipes or solution that kills viruses and other germs
- Avoid touching elevator buttons, door knobs or other high-traffic surfaces; use your elbow or cover your hand with your sleeve before touching
The CDC also provides a list of preventive actions that can help fight germs like the flu.
The Student Health Center will re-open on Jan. 29. The Health Center, located in Building 1200, Room 1204, provides a variety of health services, vaccinations, health screenings, and health education to students who have paid their health services fee. Flu shots were made available to students and staff in late September of last year.
Students who miss school due to any illness are encouraged to contact their faculty members as soon as possible through email or phone.
For more information about services offered at the Fullerton College Health Center visit http://health.fullcoll.edu/ or call 714-992-7093.
