Health Advisory: Precautions due to H1N1 Virus
We recognize that public gatherings of any kind, especially celebratory occasions like commencement, present the potential for close personal contact. The university is aware that the H1N1 virus is a matter of public health concern and we are taking additional precautions to better ensure the health and safety of all who join us. We are paying careful attention to all advisories issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We are pleased that the CDC is not currently recommending the cancellation of large events and ceremonies such as graduation exercises. However, pursuant to the Interim CDC Guidance for Public Gatherings in Response to Human Infections with Novel Influenza A (H1N1) all attendees at this year’s Commencement ceremony are advised of the following:
1. Persons with influenza-like illness (i.e., fever with either cough or sore throat) should stay home and avoid large crowds. Persons who are sick should limit their contact with other people as much as possible and stay home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved -- whichever is longer.
2. Persons who are at high risk of complications from novel influenza A (H1N1) infection (for example, persons with certain chronic medical conditions, children less than 5 years, persons 65 or older, and pregnant women) should consider their risk of exposure to novel influenza if they attend public gatherings in communities where novel influenza A virus is circulating. In communities with several reported cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, persons who are at risk of complications from influenza should consider staying away from public gatherings.
3. All persons should use appropriate respiratory and hand hygiene precautions such as covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Based on currently available information, for non-healthcare settings where frequent exposures to persons with novel influenza A (H1N1) are unlikely, masks and respirators are not recommended.
For more information please visit:
• www.sfsu.edu/~shs/Swine_Flu/Info_Swine_Flu.html
• cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/public_gatherings.htm
Adapted from CSU Northridge and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention advisories.
