CSM Pandemic Preparedness Information

This site provides current information about seasonal flu, avian (bird) flu and pandemic flu, CSM's preparation and links to other resources.

What is the flu?

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. The flu is not the same as a cold, although they share many of the same symptoms. The cold is caused by a different virus, and it tends to have milder symptoms than the flu. Colds are also less likely to cause serious complications. Source: Discovery Health

Since the flu is a serious contagious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death the College of Southern Maryland urges everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to "Take 3" actions to fight the flu:

• Take time to get a flu vaccine
• Take every day preventive actions to stop the spread of germs
• Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

Visit the CDC webpage for more details on the "Take 3" actions.

Some frequently asked questions:

• How does seasonal flu differ from pandemic flu? 
• How are pandemic H1N1, Avian, and seasonal flu different from one another? 

• What are the differences between the symptoms of the common cold, seasonal flu, and H1N1 virus? View the symptoms chart below to obtain some helpful information:

 

Resourses regarding pandemic information

General Information:

• http://pandemicflu.gov/ - The official US government site for information regarding pandemic flu
• http://www.cdc.gov/ - The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• http://www.who.int/en/ - The World Health Organization (WHO)

Tips on Traveling with the Flu:

• State Department International Travel Information
• The CDC's Traveler's Health website