(Aug. 28, 2009) – North Georgia College & State University, like all schools across the country, is addressing health concerns regarding flu outbreaks on their campuses. At North Georgia, there have been 13 cases of students with flu-like symptoms who have reported to Student Health Services, the primary point of contact for all students who are not feeling well.  
 
“The flu season is expected to be particularly hard this year, and we have been making preparations to minimize the effects of the flu on our campus.” said Dr. John Clower, vice president of student affairs. “In keeping with the guidelines established by the Georgia Department of Health, we have instructed those students to go home, or have separated them in an apartment until their symptoms subside.”

Since the initial outbreaks of H1N1 virus in the United States this past spring, the university has been working closely with public health officials to prevent and prepare for outbreaks of the virus among the campus community.

 “We are following all guidelines established by the state health department and the Centers for Disease Control,” Clower said. “We have a standing pandemic committee as part of our existing emergency action plans, and that group has been monitoring the spread of the virus. Fortunately, the symptoms of H1N1 are proving to be no more severe than the normal seasonal flu”

 When a student is instructed to go home, Student Health Services will notify the appropriate professors to inform them of the student’s impending absences. Students who have recovered will receive a note from SHS to present to their professors upon their return to class.  

 To help students prevent the spread of the flu virus, the university has provided hand sanitizer in all residence halls and in other locations around campus including the SHS self care center
 
In an e-mail message to students earlier today, Clower said, “You have a responsibility to yourself to get better, but also to your fellow students to make sure you minimize the chances of spreading the virus to them.”

 The university has posted information about prevention of the virus and answers to frequently asked questions on its Web site. To learn more about how to protect yourself and what to do if you believe you or others have the virus, visit http://www.ngcsu.edu/emergency.