April 29, 2009

Dear faculty, staff and students,

     As you are aware from recent news reports, a number of cases of swine flu have been reported in the U.S., including the New York metro area, and internationally, especially in Mexico. Although there have been fatalities, including one in the U.S., all other cases in the U.S. are considered mild.

     Please be advised that there are no known cases of swine flu at Pace University.  However, we are monitoring developments related to the outbreak of this contagious illness, and are working closely with the federal, state and local public health agencies to provide you with information you need to protect yourself, your family and friends. We will also alert you to any suspected cases of swine flu at Pace, and will be prepared to respond according to dictates by the Center for Disease Control, New York Department of Health, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and other appropriate agencies.   

     Please pay special attention to the following information supplied by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene:

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM THE SWINE INFLUENZA?

     The best ways to avoid getting or spreading the swine flu are:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Put tissue in wastebasket after you use it.
   
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, and as soon as possible after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Alcohol-based cleaners are also effective.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread that way.
   
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
   
• If you get sick, Pace recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU?

• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Stuffy Nose
• Chills
• Headache and Body Ache
• Fatigue
• Some patients have also has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Some have lethargy or lack of appetite

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS?

     Anyone experiencing fever, cough or sore throat should stay home from work or school, and contact your personal physician for advice.  Wash your hands frequently.  Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.  You do not need to go to the hospital for mild illness, but anyone with severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek medical treatment immediately.

     Several websites offer access to useful documents:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/

http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/home/home.shtml

http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/swine_flu/

http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/swineflu.html

http://www.paper-clip.com/Media/Sites-AdministratorsSiteNavigation/swinefluHEstudent%20guide.pdf

     Students with questions or concerns should contact the University Health Care office – for Westchester, 914-773-3760 and for New York City, 212-346-1600.  Employees with questions or concerns should contact the Employee Relations Department – for Westchester, extension 914-923-2781 and for New York City, extension 212-346-1303. 

     Please check the University’s web site, www.pace.edu, for updates and announcements on the home page concerning the Swine Flu and Pace University’s response should there be any suspected cases on any of our campuses.
 

Sincerely yours,

Stephen J. Friedman