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Pandemic Is Over, But Flu Prevention Still Important
September 1, 2010 — While the World Health Organization has declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, the start of another school year is a good time to remind students, faculty and staff to take steps to prevent getting the flu.
Joanne Steane, director of the University of Wyoming Student Health Service, says a yearly flu vaccination is the best protection against seasonal flu. She says flu clinics will be scheduled early in the fall semester, with the 2010 flu vaccine providing protection against three strains of flu. Times and locations will be announced at a later date.
Additionally, good hygiene is an important part of flu prevention. Nancy Fox, director of Environmental Health and Safety at UW, offers some tried and true practices that can help individuals avoid the flu:
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you don't have tissues handy, cough into your elbow rather than your hand.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Hand sanitizers are present in several areas on the UW campus.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
-- Do not share eating and drinking utensils.
-- Avoid contact with sick people.
Additional information about flu prevention can be found on the UW Flu Information page here.
A yearly flu vaccination is the best protection against seasonal flu. UW Student Health Service will offer flu clinics later in the fall semester.