H1N1 Information

All institutions in the University System are being encouraged to communicate with their campuses information about the H1N1 virus (commonly known as swine flu).  Also, we will be monitoring any reported cases at Gainesville State College. 

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.

  • Wash hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your elbow.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Wash hands before eating.

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, the CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Any Gainesville State College student or employee who experiences flu-like symptoms, including a fever, headache or cough, while on campus is urged to contact his or her health service provider immediately.  Healthcare professionals can administer a rapid nasal swab test that is the initial step in testing for H1N1 influenza.

Students on the Gainesville Campus who are diagnosed with H1N1 should report to Dr. Tom Walter, Vice President for Student Development (twalter@gsc.edu or 678-717-3553). Students on the Oconee Campus who are diagnosed with H1N1 should report to Ms. Michelle S. Brown, Director of Student Development and Enrollment Management (msbrown@gsc.edu or 706-310-6208). Faculty and staff so diagnosed should contact Ms. Amy Collins, Human Resources Director (acollins@gsc.edu or 678-717-3824).

NO PERSON’S NAME WILL BE RELEASED, but we do need everyone’s assistance in monitoring the situation in the event the institution has to take some action in halting the spread of the disease.

GSC staff is conscientious in maintaining a clean environment and began additional cleaning procedures before the latest concern over H1H1 virus.  Every student desk is cleaned and sprayed with sanitizer every morning, as well as bathrooms and dining tables.  All door handles are cleaned daily and sanitizing units have been generously distributed around campus.  Additional sanitizing wipes are being added to heavily student-used areas such as the Fitness Center, Gameroom and Bookstore.

For more information about the H1N1 virus, visit the GSC Environmental Health and Safety website at https://portal.gsc.edu/depts/EHS/pandemicflu/default.aspx.

revised 08/27/2009