Swine Flu Information and Update

New York City College of Technology is monitoring incoming information about the swine flu, which has appeared in Mexico, in a number of U.S. states, and among a handful of New York City residents in Queens. We want to provide you with information about the swine flu, what we are doing to respond to this news and actions you can take to stay healthy.

The New York City Department of Health is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to monitor and coordinate response actions. We at City Tech are closely following recommendations from these agencies and will appropriately implement their recommendations.

According to the NYC Department of Health's website, patients experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek medical treatment from a physician.
Otherwise, the Health Department recommends at-home care. The most effective way to lower the risk of transmission is for people with flu-like symptoms to stay home.

The New York City Department of Health's top official, Dr. Thomas Frieden, is urging New Yorkers not to go to a hospital if they have typical mild cold or flu symptoms.

All New Yorkers should follow the precautions listed below:

* Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue, or cough into shoulder or sleeve. Do not cough or sneeze into bare hands. Promptly throw the tissue in the trash.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Swine influenza cannot be transmitted from eating pork or pork products.
The symptoms of swine flu in people appear to be similar to the symptoms of seasonal human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. If you have medical conditions that make you more vulnerable to seasonal flu, and you experience flu-like symptoms, follow-up promptly with your physician.

It is important to note that the cases of swine flu that have appeared in the U.S. have been very mild: there have been no fatalities reported in the U.S., and only one hospitalization reported.

For facts about influenza, and more information about swine flu, please visit the Health Department and CDC websites. Some specific resources:

Facts about flu


General information about swine flu




New York State Department of Health has set up a 24-hour hotline to answer questions about swine flu: 800-808-1987.

The Student Wellness Center is available to answer questions about swine flu and any other health-related matters. The Center can be reached at (718) 260-5910 and is located in Pearl 104. We will post further information as it becomes available.
Please continue to check the City Tech website for updated information.

Take Care--
Holly Burmeister
Director, Student Wellness Center