On Thursday, June 11, the World Health Organization raised the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic alert level from Phase 5 to Phase 6. The announcement reflects the global spread of the disease, not an increase in its severity.

The declaration of a pandemic will trigger drug makers to speed up production of a vaccine and prompt governments to devote more money to containing the virus. While international health officials have said the flu appears to be less deadly than the annual bouts of seasonal flu that sweep the globe each year, they have warned that the virus could mutate into a more lethal strain during the Southern Hemisphere's coming winter flu season.

While there are no cases of the flu reported at Park University, the Emergency Management Planning Team has activated Park University's Pandemic Influenza Response Plan as a proactive step. University officials will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they are warranted.

Please continue monitoring this news box for updates regarding the Park University campuses, as well as the World Health Organization's web site, www.who.int/en/, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's web site, www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

Please remember that wise daily actions can make a big difference. Please use these simple guidelines to help maintain good health:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Don't expose others when you are sick and avoid contact with others until you are well.
3. Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. Properly dispose used tissues.
4. Wash your hands frequently.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
6. Get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

Online Flu resources: 
www.who.int/en/  
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/