Emergency Information
The Flu: What You Need to Know

The health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff is Austin Community College’s first and foremost concern. ACC is part of the regional health and emergency management team that is closely monitoring flu activity. The college will provide updates on this web page as necessary.

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is in production and anticipated to be available in Central Texas in mid-October 2009. The seasonal flu vaccine currently is available at many locations, including physicians’ offices, pharmacies, health clinics, and hospitals throughout Central Texas.

According to the CDC, most people who contract H1N1 flu recover without needing medical treatment. This virus is believed to spread the same way seasonal flu spreads – through coughing and sneezing.

ACC encourages students, faculty, and staff to take common sense precautions to stop the spread of the flu. The CDC provides these recommendations:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.

The CDC says symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. The CDC’s website notes that a significant number of H1N1 patients reported diarrhea and vomiting.

Dial 2-1-1 for Flu Advice – Texans can now dial 2-1-1 to receive over-the-phone medical guidance about what they should do if they or a family member have flu symptoms. The state’s 2-1-1 health information helpline is staffed with medical professionals who can provide information about managing flu symptoms and advice on when to seek medical care from a physician or emergency room.

For more information, visit the following websites: