The influenza season will soon be upon us and it brings with it this year added worries about a possible H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic. While the federal government has approved a vaccine for the H1N1 flu, there are still predictions that many people in the United States will become sick.

The School of Pharmacy has developed a contingency plan that will be implemented in the event that classes and other instructional activities need to be cancelled.

All PharmD students and essential employees are required to receive a seasonal flu vaccine or sign a letter of declination. Immunizations are available at the Student and Employee Health Center. Call 410.328.8792 for details.

Our first priority at this time is for everyone to stay as healthy as possible by utilizing good hygiene practices, like:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If you don't have access to a sink, an alcohol-based hand cleaner will also work.
   
• Cough and sneeze into the crook of your arm instead of into your hands.
   
• Avoid contact with sick people.
   
• Most importantly, stay home if you are sick with a fever.

This section of our web site provides links to well-known health information resources that we hope you find useful in protecting yourself from H1N1. Please visit this site often for updated information.