By Jeff Robinson

A severe strain of the flu known as H1N1 will pose a serious threat across the country this coming flu season and seminary administration is asking students to take precautionary measures to guard against this aggressive form of the flu.

Students should seek vaccination for H1N1 through their primary medical care provider as soon as it becomes available. Anyone suffering from the flu is asked to contact the seminary clinic at 897-4497 so the seminary can monitor any spread of the flu among the seminary community.

Vaccination for the general flu will be available at the seminary clinic and students are urged to get the vaccination shots for their entire families. Vaccine for the general flu is not effective against H1N1. A vaccine for H1N1 is projected to be available in December.

Simple steps may be taken to prevent the flu, including: covering your nose and mouth when sneezing, washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer frequently. For more information on H1N1 flu, including symptoms, please visit the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_ info.htm.  Southern Seminary will be following CDC guidelines in response to H1N1 which are available at http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/higheredguidance.html

The seminary is taking several steps to prevent the spread of the flu, including:

  • Placing hand sanitizer in numerous public areas around campus.
  • Making masks available for those who have contracted the flu or who have flu-like symptoms. Masks are available in the seminary clinic and in the seminary security office.
  • Making special accommodations for students suffering from the flu. Please contact the seminary clinic for details.