A letter from the President

Dear Colleagues in Learning:

By now I suspect that you have heard a great deal about the H1N1 flu that is starting to spread in our area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control states that this is the time to remain vigilant. One of the most important facts we know is the importance of taking your health in your own hands. Simple everyday precautions will combat the H1N1 flu and will do much to keep you healthy.

These precautions, advised by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. You will find sanitizers throughout the public areas at the College, and you may want to bring your own packaged wipes for use during the day.
• Cough and sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue. Discard the tissue immediately and wash your hands.
• If you are sick, STAY HOME. Limit your contact to other people. Don’t return to your activities until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours.

Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are fever over 100.4 with any of the following: sore throat, cough, runny nose, body aches/fatigue, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Please be assured that the College is monitoring the situation daily. You may stay up to date on the Web page, where bulletins will be posted, or on the College’s Facebook page. If you have not yet signed up for the optional messages through the College Notification System, BEEnotified, I encourage you to do it now. By opting in, BEEnotified will send you announcements about campus closings and other useful items. You may choose how you receive this information – i.e., by text, cell phone, or email. Login through accessBCC and choose the BEEnotified tab.

The College expects to offer the H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available for us to distribute. Speak with your doctor to see if you should get this vaccine.

In the meantime, prepare for the possibility that you or someone you care for may take ill and make plans now. If you are a student, check with your professors regarding their attendance policies. For employees, regular policies regarding sick time apply. Contact Human Resources Office at 508.678.2811, ext. 2194, for more information.

If you have questions, call the Health Services office at 508.678.2811, ext. 2232. If you want to learn more about the H1N1, visit these resources:

• FLU.gov (a site maintained by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control)
• Southcoast Hospital Group with information about local developments

Thank you for your efforts to keep the community healthy. While we can’t stop the spread of the virus, we can each do our part to minimize its spread.

Sincerely,

John J. Sbrega, Ph.D.

President, Bristol Community College