H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information

Update June 11, 2009
The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert from level 5 to level 6, considered the first global epidemic in 41 years. The Knox community is reminded to continue to take precautions throughout the summer.

Update May 5, 2009
Knox continues to monitor the national flu situation and has stepped up measures to ensure that the campus remains healthy. These measures include cleaning computer keyboards and mice in public labs, keeping alcohol-based hand cleaner available in the library and labs, as well as regular communication with local health agencies.

The campus community is encouraged to continue frequent hand washing and covering coughs or sneezes to avoid getting sick or transmitting an illness. See all the national CDC recommendations below.

Update May 1, 2009:
As of today, there are no confirmed or probable cases if H1N1 influenza (swine flu) in Knox County. The CDC has announced that the virus has spread to 19 states. Three confirmed cases are in Illinois.

All students, faculty, and staff should continue to observe the National CDC recommendations (below) to avoid getting sick or transmitting an illness.

Update April 29, 2009:
The World Health Organization has raised the pandemic alert from Phase 4 to 5. This means that all countries are advised to activate their pandemic preparedness plans, which includes heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.

April 27, 2009
President Obama has declared a national health emergency regarding H1N1 (swine) influenza. This measure allows the national health care system to take certain additional measures to prevent the spread of the swine flu and treat those affected.

Knox College does not have any known cases of H1N1 flu. Nevertheless, all campus community members should be taking precautions to avoid getting sick or transmitting an illness.

All community members should observe the following recommendations of the National Centers for Disease Control:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Students should contact the Student Health Center if they get sick.

Again, Knox College does not have any known cases of H1N1 flu. The Knox College Health Center is communicating regularly with the Galesburg Clinic and Knox County Health Department.

This page will be updated if there is new information about the national flu emergency.

What to do if you get sick....