WVU offers information to head off possible flu outbreak
As in past years, West Virginia University officials are joining other universities, public schools, health departments, businesses and the local community to help protect against (and plan for) a possible influenza outbreak.
Professor of Medicine Dr. Melanie Fisher, an infectious disease expert, said WVU’s plan covers how to house and feed students if an outbreak should occur to how to communicate information to students, parents, employees and the public.
Plans also include staffing health clinics, maintaining buildings and caring for farm animals and research projects if a flu outbreak should occur.
On this site, WVU provides prevention tips and other useful information to protect against and treat the virus.
An important first step, Dr. Fisher noted, is to get vaccinated. She encourages students and employees to reduce their chances of getting the flu by getting a flu shot. It takes about 10 days to build immunity after getting a shot, she added, and can reduce the chances of getting the flu by 70-90 percent in healthy adults.
“The probability of a flu pandemic like the one in 1918 is small, so there is no cause for panic. However, we are preparing for flu season and will be ready for it,” Dr. Fisher added.