Ouachita Stories

Ouachita Baptist University has convened an ad hoc committee to monitor and address concerns related to the possible spread of swine flu.

As of Friday, May 1, there were no confirmed cases of swine flu in Arkansas. According to CNN, there were a total of 363 cases reported worldwide, including 156 confirmed cases in Mexico and 141 cases in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms of H1N1 swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people also have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.

CDC guidelines for helping to prevent the spread of flu viruses include:

1.  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

2.  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

3.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

4.  Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Anyone who has a fever over 100 degrees and exhibits flu-like symptoms should seek medical attention. For additional information, contact your family physician or call OBU Health Services at 870-245-5244.

To obtain updated information about swine flu, visit www.cdc.gov or www.who.int.

Please be assured that university officials will continue to monitor the situation, keeping the health and welfare of our students, faculty and staff as top priorities.