June 23 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian/Student,

RE: PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO TACKLE THE SURGE OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1)

Taylor’s University College is deeply concerned by the recent surge of reported cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) in Malaysia. As such, we feel that it is imperative and timely for us to highlight several preventive measures which you can follow to ensure the overall health and well-being of our students:

(1)
(1)Students who have come into contact with person(s) infected or suspected of having Influenza A (H1N1) are advised to be self-quarantined at home for seven (7) days after your last exposure or until your doctor is sure you have not been exposed to the virus. As a precautionary measure, please get in touch with the Ministry of Health, Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CRPC) at 03-88810200 and 03-88810300 or email to cprc@moh.gov.my to enable them to give you proper health advice should you develop signs or symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1). Please also get in touch with the contact person of the respective schools as listed below and inform him/her of your condition. With this notice from you, your lecturers will be informed and necessary arrangements will be made for remedial classes.

(2)
Students who are tested positive for Influenza A (H1N1) are to comply with the quarantine guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH), Malaysia (www.moh.gov.my) while receiving medical attention. You are required to get in touch with the MOH and report your condition. A quarantine letter from the MOH will be issued to you and this letter will stipulate the duration of the quarantine. Once you are cleared by MOH, a clearance letter will then be issued to you. In the meantime, please also get in touch with the contact person of the respective schools as listed below and inform him/her of your condition. With this notice from you, your lecturers will be informed and necessary arrangements will be made for remedial classes

Once you are able to resume classes, please give a copy of the quarantine letter as well as the clearance letter from MOH to your Programme office.

(3)
If you or your family members exhibit flu-like symptoms, you are advised to stay home throughout the duration of your symptoms. Please seek medical attention immediately. Similarly, you are required to report your condition to the contact person at the respective schools as listed below for arrangement of remedial classes.
 
For reporting H1N1 cases and suspected symptoms, please contact the following persons at the respective schools:

Architecture, Building & Design Ms Shereen Effendy Lee 03-78763939 ext 212
Communication Ms Adeline Kok 03-78763939 ext 214
Computing & IT Ms Banumathy Subramaniam 03-78763939 ext 208
Design Mr Ken Tan 03-78763939 ext 223
School of Hospitality & Tourism Ms Karen Ho
Ms Hema Subramaniam		 03-78779777 ext 206
03-78779777 ext 320
Cambridge A Levels/Found. in Science Ms Hew Kuen Hin 03-56362641 ext 456
South Australian Matriculation Ms Quek 03-56362641 ext 105
International Canadian Pre-U Ms Nirmala 03-56362641 ext 204
Taylor’s Business School Ms Geraldine/Irene Wong/Tarana 03-56371150 ext 218/216/231
American Degree Transfer Program Mr Gunasegaran 03-56355159 ext 101
Engineering/Law/Biomedical Science Ms Carol Lau 03-56362641 ext 610
Language Centre Ms Noraiza 03-56321089 ext 104
Sri Hartamas Campus Mr Ananda 03-62030168 ext 108
 
For further information or enquiries on Influenza A (H1N1), kindly contact :
Ms Chen Set Li, Student Services Manager, at 78763939 ext 101 or email chen.setli@taylors.edu.my.
Mr Dion, Health and Safety Officer, at 56362641 ext 222 or email dion.rodrigues@taylors.edu.my.

We strongly urge you to adhere to the guidelines detailed above with immediate effect. This is a precaution that can help to prevent the further spread of this virus and ensure that the health and well-being of all students and staff are not compromised.

We trust that together, we can contain this pandemic.

 
 

 
What is the A (H1N1) influenza?
It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. It regularly causes high flu outbreaks in pigs but with low death rates. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
How does it spread?
Influenza A (H1N1) viruses do not typically infect humans though they do occur through close proximity or contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented.

Click here to download or view more facts about the Influenza A (H1N1) virus.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are similar to those of regular flu:
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Lack of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases.
How common is the A (H1N1) flu infection in humans?
In the past reports of about one human A(H1N1) flu virus infection had been received every one to two years in the United States. From December 2005 till February 2009, 12 cases have been reported.
Has this strain of flu been seen before?
No. Flu mutates constantly, so it is common for new strains to emerge. Pigs can also be infected with both human and avian influenza, and the current circulating A (H1N1) flu strain appears to contain genetic elements from all three.
Can the A (H1N1) flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine?
The A (H1N1) flu is resistant to two common drugs - Amantadine and Rimantadine. The A (H1N1) flu viruses are very different from human H1N1 viruses. Therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection. However, a “seed vaccine” has been specifically tailored to this swine flu and will be manufactured if officials deem it necessary.
Can people catch A (H1N1) flu by eating pork?
No. The A (H1N1) influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.
How long is someone with the A (H1N1) flu considered contagious?
People with the A (H1N1) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic; possibly for up to seven days following the onset of the illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from the A (H1N1) flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the A (H1N1) flu.
However, you can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by:
•
Covering your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the waste basket after you use it.
•
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also helpful
•
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•
If you get sick with influenza, stay at home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
•
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
•
Consult your nearest healthcare facility if you think you have any of the symptoms.
What precautions are in place in Malaysia?
•
The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries.
•
Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined.
•
Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States.
•
Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for A (H1N1) flu.
•
Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had travelled to the affected countries after April 17.
• Travel Advisory from the foreign ministry
Where can I get more information?
For more information, go to the Health Ministry (http://www.moh.gov.my/) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300.
 
Source: The Star Online (www.thestar.com.my) 28 April 2009