News from the Hill January 17, 2013 | back to index
It’s flu season, so take precautions
Dear Andover Newton Community,
As you may know, Mayor Menino declared a public health emergency in Boston due to to the high number of flu cases this season. January and February are peak flu months in the United States, so we urge all of you to take appropriate precautions. I hope the following reminders are helpful!
To prevent the flu:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after you cough or sneeze. Influenza spreads mainly person-to-person via coughing or sneezing. Use the hand sanitizer available in various places on campus.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose as much as possible. Germs are often spread when you touch something contaminated with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep and fluids, eat well, and be physically active.
- Some health practitioners recommend regular gargling with warm salt water.
If you get sick:
- Do not come to campus! If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Students, if you're too ill to alert all your professors that you will miss classes, please contact me and I will do so for you.
- If you live on campus, email your resident representative so he or she can assist you as needed, and only go out as necessary.
- Self-isolate in your home environment while sick to prevent spreading the virus.
- Use a handkerchief or tissues to cover any coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer gels (with at least 60 percent alcohol) when soap and water are not available and your hands are not visibly dirty.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have a helpful website related to the flu.
Stay safe and well,
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Dean of Students and Community Life
