Dear Century Community,
Over the past few weeks there has been a decline in the reported incidents
of H1N1 influenza within the state of Minnesota. However, the illness continues to be widespread across the state.
During the last week of October, there was a significant decrease in the number of schools reporting
outbreaks of influenza-like illness.
For the week of October 25-October 30, 137 schools reported outbreaks,
down from 288 schools reporting the previous week.
Here at Century College we have experienced relatively mild outbreaks over the past few weeks.
Remember that are simple things that each of us can do to limit the spread of H1N1 influenza
within our community:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue,
cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose,
or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Watch for the signs and symptoms of the flu: fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher),
headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches.
Additional symptoms: diarrhea and vomiting.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have
a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very
warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). Don’t go to class or work.
- Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu.
If you are experiencing symptoms of illness and are unsure whether or not they may indicate H1N1
influenza, click here
to view a helpful comparison of the symptoms of a cold, season influenza, and H1N1 influenza.
To search for the clinic nearest you that is offering the season flu shot,
click here.
Please note that the H1N1 vaccine is not yet available to the public.
For the most up-to-date information on flu:
Check the Century College website and employee and student portals for updates on the progression of H1N1 influenza
within our community.
Updated November 10, 2009