If you’re planning to travel abroad, Health Services encourages you to take precautions against seasonal influenza by getting the flu vaccine. Employees may contact their health care provider for further information, and students may also call Health Services at (973) 761-9175. More travel advice can be found online at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (www.who.int).

• The number of cases of H1N1 (swine) in Japan have jumped significantly over the weekend from 5 on Friday to 135 this morning. This has prompted school closures and event cancellations in that country. Most of the cases as near the cities of Kobe and Osaka and are thought to have spread quickly when two High Schools in the area met for a volleyball tournament.  Screening programs are established at airports so expect some delays.
  
  
• Follow the situation in Japan if you have business there. The situation in Japan is evolving with cases totals changing often. The government has already discouraged unnecessary travel so keep an eye on travel restrictions if you have business in Japan.
  
  
• For the latest alerts and information, please refer to the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (www.who.int).
  
  

In addition to flu vaccine, it is always prudent to follow good hygiene practices to protect yourself from viral infections. These practices include:

• Washing your hands frequently
• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after coming in contact with objects such as keyboards and door knobs
• Cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing, use tissues and dispose of them properly; encourage others to do the same
  

Other Helpful Information

• Learn more about Influenza
  
• Information on New Jersey's preparedness for bioterrorism and facts on anthrax
• Insulin dependent diabetics - there are air travel restrictions now enforced by the FAA

If you have any questions, please contact Health Services at (973)761-9175.