CURRENT HEALTH CONCERNS

INFLUENZA  A (H1N1)
• Influenza A (H1N1) is an influenza viral infection transmitted by infected droplets dispersed into the air from an infected person’s cough or   sneeze or from hands and surfaces contaminated by the infected droplets.
• Health awareness and emphasis is on personal responsibility for ensuring you practice healthy hygiene habits and reporting all personal   illness to the Campus Health Officer, especially students in campus accommodation.
• Persons who have the following clinical symptoms (fever, cough, muscle and joint pain, headache, sore throat, wheezing, and runny nose   and maybe vomiting and diarrhea) especially students in campus accommodation who develop any symptoms:
• Prevention:
1) Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and frequently –  after using the toilet, before preparing and eating food, after sneezing,      coughing, sport or dirty jobs.
2) Avoid close contact with persons who appear to be unwell or  have  fever, sneezing or coughing. Do not kiss, shake hands or have any      close contact with them.
3) Avoid ill people in crowded places.
4) Do not go to crowded places when you are ill!  Do not infect others.
Must report to, or be reported to the Health Officer, Sheryl Mattu, at the Health Services & First Aid Centre.

             
DENGUE  FEVER  /  DENGUE  HAEMORRHAGIC  FEVER
• Dengue fever is a viral infection (four types) spread by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito.
• A person becomes symptomatic 5-6 days after being bitten. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pains, nausea   and vomiting, eye pain and rash.
• Dengue haemorrhagic fever is more severe and symptoms can be followed by bruising, bleeding from the nose then generalized bleeding   and death, if untreated.
• Prevention:
1) Eliminate all potential breeding sites for mosquitoes. Check there are no accumulated water areas or containers holding  water in your garden. Check flower pots and vases. Put polystyrene beads in the septic tanks. Fog your area regularly.
2) Use mosquito spray inside the house. Spray your bedroom and close the door 2 hours before retiring.
3) Use protective measures to prevent getting  mosquito bitten. Use mosquito netting on all windows and entrances. Use mosquito repellents on your exposed skin. Wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves, trousers and sox when outside in the evenings. Burn mosquito coils, electric vapour mats or use electric insect traps on patios.
If you think you may have dengue fever, consult your doctor immediately for tests to confirm and advice.

KEEP  YOURSELF  HEALTHY  AND  MAINTAIN  BALANCE  IN  YOUR  LIFE
   For optimal health and well-being it is important to maintain a healthy lifestye and balance in our lives, especially during times of stress, such as assessment times. Develop time management and smart study skills. 

Keep Healthy by Practicing Healthy Lifestyle Behaviour and Habits
• eat nutritious food                   
• keep physically active
• get adequate sleep          
• healthy hygiene habits