The university has implemented the CDC recommendations for institutions of higher education including screening and testing protocols to identify and report influenza-like illness to the county health department. 

Both Ohio University and the Athens community have remained free of any confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza and have used this opportunity to complete response planning in cooperation with county health officials.

The safety of students, faculty and staff remains our top priority.  At this time we will continue our regular communication on the status of H1N1 influenza as it affects Ohio University through the university's emergency information Web page.  Significant or time-sensitive changes to status will result in e-mail or Outlook communications as warranted.

For information about H1N1 in Ohio, go to the Ohio Department of Health Web site at www.odh.ohio.gov.

Information about U.S. and global H1N1 is best found at the CDC Web site: www.cdc.gov.

The most important prevention and illness tips follow:

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

• Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Scientists estimate that people are not washing their hands often or well enough and may transmit up to 80 percent of all infections by their hands. For a video on effective hand-washing tips, click here.
  
  
  
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
  
  
  
• Stay home if you get sick with influenza and see your doctor. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  

What should I do if I get sick?

If you have a concern about exposure or experience flu-like symptoms -- including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue -- you should see a medical provider immediately. For information on Ohio University's Student Health Service (SHS) hours, visit www.ohio.edu/hudson/shs/.

Students who experience symptoms outside of SHS hours should visit the O'Bleness Memorial Hospital emergency room.