As Riverside County public health officials and the news media continue to track the H1N1 flu virus, Mt. San Jacinto College officials are urging employees and students to take the proper steps to avoid the spread of the virus.

When news of H1N1 flu first hit in April, there were no confirmed cases in Riverside County. The virus is now in our county. Statistics from the Riverside County Department of Public Health show there are 101 probable cases, 524 confirmed cases and 9 deaths related to the H1N1 virus as of Oct. 10, 2009.

County health officials and the Centers for Disease Control advise individuals with flu-like symptoms, including fever, a dry cough, muscle aches and a runny nose, to stay home and isolate themselves for seven (7) days and to limit contact with other individuals.

If you are sick, please respect the health of others and stay home. If a co-worker or student is ill, advise them to go home in the interest of public health and safety.

To help avoid infection, follow these prevention tips provided by the Centers for Disease Control:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Toss tissue in trash can.
• Wash hands often with soap and water.
• Carry hand sanitizer (60 percent or higher alcohol content) and use often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with others who are sick.
• Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms for at least 24 hour AFTER your fever is gone without the use of medications.
• While sick, limit contact with others.

In April, MSJC installed Purell hand sanitizers with 60 percent alcohol content at the San Jacinto and Menifee Valley campuses, Temecula Education Complex and the San Gorgonio Pass center. Employees and students are urged to make use of the product. The college is distributing posters and other information about H1N1 for use in classrooms, libraries, student centers and other offices. Instructors are asked to take a few minutes at the beginning of each class to draw students’ attention to the posters and the tips provided to help keep our campuses healthier.

County public health officials are also urging the public to get the H1N1 flu vaccination. To find out where to get a vaccination, contact your doctor or go to: www.rivco-familycarecenters.org or call 1-800-720-9553 for an appointment.

More important information about H1N1 can be found at www.rivcoph.org/ or www.cdc.gov/swineflu