CSN is prepared, monitoring H1N1 (swine flu) influenza


In light of the recent outbreak of H1N1 (swine flu) in the United States and abroad, Southern Nevadans should take precautions to reduce the potential risk of infection. CSN President Mike Richards, the CSN Department of Environmental Health and Safety and public health officials in Clark County are in contact and closely monitoring the situation.

This site will be updated when health officials have information related to the H1N1 influenza relative to the College community.

Persons exhibiting symptoms, including respiratory illness are instructed to stay home for seven days after symptoms onset or 24 to 48 hours after symptom resolution, whichever is longer.  All persons are encouraged to cover their coughs or sneezes and to frequently wash their hands.

CSN has plans in place in the event of an outbreak in the Las Vegas Valley. Please return to this site for the latest information, pertaining to CSN.

School closures: To date, the CDC has not changed its recommendations for school closures.  The guidelines state that closing a school "is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function." 

Precautions urged: Protect yourself as you would from seasonal flu:

  • Clean hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizers
  • Sneeze or cough into your sleeve, not your hands
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Avoid being around people who are sick
  • Stay home if you are sick
  • See your doctor if you develop flu like symptoms
  • Keep your immune system strong by eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of sleep and exercising regularl

*Please note: The routine wearing of facemasks or respirators is not recommended at this time by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What is H1N1 influenza (swine flu)? Swine flu, the virus that is refered to as H1N1 influenza, is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a flu virus that regularly causes outbreaks of flu in pigs. It does not normally infect humans, however sporadic human infections can occur. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs. Human infection occurs the same way as a seasonal flu, through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the swine flu virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

The signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flu; fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people report vomiting or diarrhea associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu as well as worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What to do if you get H1N1 influenza-like symptoms?
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm