Environmental Health & Safety

Pandemics

Corona Virus 2019

UNCW is closely monitoring the Novel Coronavirus based on the latest information available from national and international authorities. As public awareness of the coronavirus increases, we want to be sure you have an accurate understanding of the facts to help protect yourself and others against this health threat. Please carefully review information available on this site and Best For The Nest

American Biological Safety Association (ABSA) Resources

CDC Guidance

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

 Flu

While the chances of a flu emergency affecting the UNCW community are currently very low, it is still important to plan for such an event. New flu viruses create a greater threat for a pandemic that may occur now or in years or decades in the future. UNCW has strived to prepare for a flu emergency. This website's purpose is to inform and prepare the UNCW community for such a crisis by providing current information and resources.

Seasonal Influenza: (often called "The Flu") A contagious respiratory illness caused by an influenza virus. The Flu kills about 36,000 people in the United States annually. Seasonal Flu occurs every year and can cause mild to severe illness in people. The best protection against seasonal flu is vaccination and hand washing. Flu shots are available every year for faculty, staff and students through the UNCW flu shot campaign.

 Flu Prevention, Symptoms, and Care

Prevention:

  • Get your flu shot! Participate in the UNCW faculty/staff/student flu shot campaign each fall. Many local healthcare providers also administer the vaccine. Flu season lasts roughly from November through May, and having your flu shot can greatly reduce your risk of contracting the seasonal virus. It takes two weeks after the shot is administered to develop adequate immunity.
  • Wash your hands! Many germs spread through human contact. Make sure to wash your hands on a regular basis.
  • Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette by covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze and use tissues to trap germs.
  • Stay away from people who are sick or not feeling well. Healthy adults infected with the virus may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to 7-10 days after becoming sick. That means you can pass the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home. It is better for you to get well and prevent the spread of the virus to others.
  • People who are considered high risk when infected by the flu virus are those who are 65 years and older, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children.

Flu Symptoms:

  • Fever (up to 104 degrees) and/or sweating/chills
  • Headache, muscle aches, and/or stiffness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea and vomiting

Care:

  • See your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help diagnose and treat your condition. There may be medication you can take to help you recover.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Rest.
  • Refrain from alcohol and tobacco use.