Dear KAUST Community members
Various seasonal flu viruses continue to be observed at KMC and other hospitals. Last year, KMC offered the flu vaccine free of charge and we will continue to do so throughout the year.
This announcement is simply to encourage you to be mindful of the things you can do to protect yourself and your family against flu viruses and the measures you can take to reduce their spread.
Some of the viruses, like the H1N1 (Swine Flu) , continue to circulate seasonally worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease and Control Protection (CDC) do not consider it a serious illness anymore and recommend that it be treated like any other seasonal flu virus.
FLU Vaccination
Flu vaccination includes vaccine for H1N1 and is considered the best mode of protection.
KMC encourages all community members to get a flu shot if you have not been vaccinated during the last 12 months, especially the following: children from 6 months to 5 years of age, pregnant ladies, people with chronic illnesses like Diabetes and Asthma and patients with suppressed immune systems.
Individuals showing flu-like symptoms should take precautionary measures and are strongly recommended to strictly comply with the following health guidelines:
- Use a tissue to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and then properly dispose of the used tissue in the trash.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, and help young children do the same. Rubbing hands well with a sanitizing solution is also effective if soap and water are not available.
- To prevent virus transmission, try to avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth by an unwashed hand
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, TV remote, mobile phones and children’s toys.
- Avoid crowded areas, sharing cups or eating utensils with febrile and coughing people, physical contact when greeting others, and close contact (when possible keep a distance of about one meter).
- Wear a face mask in large gatherings and overcrowded places such as shopping areas and Umrah trips.
- If you have a high grade fever, severe cough, chest pain or shortness of breath for more than two days, visit your physician or emergency department.
- When visiting a farm or a barn, general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing before and after touching animals, avoiding contact with sick animals, and following food hygiene practices, should be adhered to.
Helpful information can also be found:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact KMC at 808 4111 during working hours or email patient-relation@kaust.edu.sa.
