Emergency Information

H1N1 Flu

Limited number of H1N1 vaccinations available at MSU Health Services Wed., Oct 21
A flu vaccination clinic for the H1N1 virus will be held for Murray State students at the university's Health Services Clinic located in Wells Hall. The free clinic will be in operation from 1p.m. until 4p.m. on Wednesday, October 21. The vaccine will be administered by nasal spray. The nasal spray is effective for individuals who are 5 to 24 years of age. Individuals who suffer from diabetes, asthma, those who may be pregnant, have kidney or liver disease, or other chronic illnesses should not take the nasal vaccine. A vaccine administered by injection will become available in a few weeks for individuals who cannot take the nasal vaccine.

Those wishing to take the vaccine should not have flu symptoms. Students participating in the flu clinic should bring their MSU student ID with them. The flu vaccine supply is limited, so the vaccine will be administered on a first come, first served basis. As additional supplies of the vaccine become available, other clinics will be scheduled.

If you need any additional information, please contact MSU Health Services at (270) 809-3809.

Update 09/22/2009

MSU student tests positive for H1N1
A Murray State University student has tested positive for H1N1. The case was self-reported and the student self-isolated and is recovering in the student's hometown.

Update 09/18/2009

Flu Level Raised to 'Widespread' in Kentucky
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2009) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week that the influenza (flu) activity level in the state has increased from regional to widespread. Widespread activity is the highest level of flu activity, which indicates increased flu-like activity or flu outbreaks in at least half of the regions in a state. The activity levels for states are tracked weekly as part of the CDC’s national flu surveillance system. This level of flu activity is consistent with other southeastern states that are also currently reporting widespread activity. MORE

Technical Pandemic and Disaster Planning Tips from CTLT for Faculty and Administrative Staff

Update 09/10/2009
The Building Services division of Facilities Management has initiated practices for increasing the cleaning and disinfection of university buildings. Some will be more obvious than others but all are integral to the heightened need to combat infectious diseases.Most notably, the H1N1 pandemic has become an important priority. Building services is on the front line of defense against the pandemic that has been declared by the World Health Organization. Building services personnel will be wiping down surfaces with disinfectants; utilizing auto-scrubbers to better clean and disinfect tile floors; and provide disinfectant hand cleaner at strategic locations. We ask for patience and tolerance for these practices if they seem out of the ordinary and produce some distracting sounds but we are very conscientious of the responsibility for the safety and welfare of the Murray State family and will work to keep facilities as clean as possible.

In response to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Kentucky Department of Public Health, Murray State has taken the following steps to prepare for the H1N1 Pandemic Flu.

1. Established a working group of department heads to share information and keep each other informed on developments as they occur. Members include the Provost Office, Housing, Facilities Management, Food Service, Student Health Services and Public Safety & Emergency Management.
2. The above mentioned group participated in a state wide pandemic flu exercise. The exercise provided scenarios on the types of challenges the university could expect this fall as the pandemic gets under way. The group developed specific strategies to keep their operational areas functional during a pandemic.
3. Information is being developed for students, faculty and staff regarding what steps they can take and steps the university is taking to reduce the spread of the flu.
4. Hand sanitizing stations and personal hygiene reminders have been placed in many locations throughout campus.

Information from flu.gov

Q. What steps can students, faculty and staff take to stay healthy and keep from spreading the flu?
Here are four important ways faculty, students and staff can stay healthy and keep from getting sick with flu or spreading the flu. They can:

• Practice good hand hygiene.
  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Practice respiratory etiquette.
  The main way flu spreads is from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it's important to 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 your hands.
• Stay home if you are sick.
  Stay home or in a your place of residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever.
• Talk to your health care provider about whether or not you should be vaccinated.
  If you want protection from the flu should consider getting a vaccination for seasonal flu. If you are at a higher risk for flu complications from H1N1 flu, consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for H1N1 flu complications include pregnanat women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes).

Q. What are the symptoms of seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu?

Symptoms of flu include fever, chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.

Q. How do I recognize a fever or signs of a fever?

A fever is a temperature that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when taken with a thermometer. Look for these possible signs of fever: if he or she feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.

Q. How do I know if someone has H1N1 flu or seasonal flu?

It will be very hard to tell if someone who is sick has H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. Public health officials and medical authorities will not be recommending lab tests. Anyone who has flu-like symptoms should stay home and not go to work.

More information

Kentucky H1N1 Health Alerts

Flu.gov (information from the Center for Disease Control)

Murray State University Health Services

Map of Effected College and University Campuses