Last updated January 15, 2010

Officials at John Tyler Community College are actively monitoring the H1N1 (swine flu) situation and are prepared to take appropriate action should the need arise. The College is also committed to communicating new H1N1 information as it is released by health officials.

The Latest News
Cases of influenza-like illnesses are still being reported across the U.S. but at a lower rate. Most of the influenza cases identified so far continue to be the H1N1 virus. For persons with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease, the illness can be more serious. Pregnant women are also at risk for more serious illness.

For persons with flu, the current recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to stay home from work and school until at least 24 hours after being free of fever (100 F/37.8 C) without the use of fever-reducing medication. This is very important for preventing the spread of flu to others.

John Tyler Community College Students
Students with the flu should stay home from the College until at least 24 hours after being free of fever (100 F/37.8 C) without the use of fever-reducing medication. Students who miss class due to the flu will not be dropped from their courses for excessive absences. Students are not required to provide medical documentation to validate their illnesses as doctors’ offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and may be unable to provide such documentation in a timely manner. To help John Tyler Community College maintain accurate data regarding H1N1, students who are absent due to the flu are asked to notify the Office of the Dean of Student Services at cpfautz@jtcc.edu. The College will not release any personal data to third parties.

Steps You can Take to Protect Yourself and Others

• If you have flu-like symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, fatigue and body aches, stay home from work and school and limit contact with others to keep from spreading the virus.
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. The use of alcohol-based hand cleaners also is effective.
• Limit close contact with sick people.
• Prevent the spread of germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Call your health-care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Vaccinations
On January 20 and January 21, the Chesterfield Department of Health (CDH) will be at John Tyler Community College, providing H1N1 vaccinations to John Tyler students. There is no charge for the vaccination.

January 20
Midlothian Campus
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The CDH mobile unit will be parked in the traffic circle located between the Academic Building and the Science Building.

January 21
Chester Campus
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
The CDH mobile unit will be parked behind Moyar Hall near parking lot F.

Other H1N1 vaccination clinics are being routinely held around the area. Visit the Virginia Department of Health web site for locations, dates and times.

Additional Information
For additional information and guidance, check CDC and VDH web sites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Virginia Department of Health – www.vdh.state.va.us

H1N1 Update #4 (Students)
H1N1 Update #3 (Students and Employees)
H1N1 Update #2 (Students)
H1N1 Update #1 (Students)