As required by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, I'm writing to ask for your help in reducing the spread of seasonal influenza. This is the second in a series of messages intended to educate and provide strategies that are vital to mounting an effective response to a potential influenza pandemic. There is growing interest in implementing non-medical interventions that include basic personal hygiene practices, movement and activity restrictions, and social distancing. This message focuses on personal hygiene practices. Proper hand washing, cough etiquette, receiving adequate sleep, exercising, eating a balanced diet, and getting the seasonal flu shot will help limit the spread of seasonal flu. Although most of us would assume we are doing most or all of these things, there are specific suggestions that may be helpful to review. As basic as they appear, these measures represent concrete actions that can reduce transmission of a virus and, if used appropriately, will save lives. Simple, effective measures will be invaluable against the H5N1 virus. Specifically, I'm asking you to follow proper hand washing techniques and cough etiquette, and to get the seasonal flu shot. These three simple, healthy habits, along with adequate sleep, eating a balanced diet and exercising will help limit the spread of seasonal flu. Seasonal influenza usually begins in November or December and lasts at least through late April. On average, about five percent to 20 percent of the population will get seasonal flu. These simple steps can help keep you healthy and reduce the likelihood that you will bring seasonal flu home to your family. Asking your family members to follow the same steps will help reduce the likelihood that members of your family will get seasonal flu or give it to others. So, here's what you need to do: 1. Wash your hands often. For instructions and information about the proper hand washing technique, see: <http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/Communicable/factsheets/Handwashing.htm> 2. Cover your cough and stay home when you are sick. For more information on covering your cough, see: <http://coughsafe.com/media.html> 3. Get your seasonal flu shot. These three simple steps really can help reduce the spread of seasonal flu. For information about flu shot clinic locations on campus, please visit the University's website at: <http://www2.fpm.wisc.edu/occhealth/flushotclinics.html>. For campus-specific information regarding the seasonal flu, see: <http://www.news.wisc.edu/flu/>. If you have any questions regarding this message please contact the University Continuity Manager, Lt. Johnnie Diamante at <Pandemicinfo@mhub.uwpd.wisc.edu>. Thank you for your assistance.

Submitted by Ruth Robarts, Assistant Dean for Student & Academic Affairs on November 20, 2006

This article appears in the categories: Academic Support