5/01/09

A Message from President Hutchinson: Swine Flu Advice and Update

Dear Students and Colleagues,

The news regarding swine flu and reports of cases in the United States have undoubtedly caused concern.
As you are no doubt aware, a few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the pandemic threat level to five in response to increasing numbers of cases of the H1N1 virus being diagnosed around the world.

While no cases have been diagnosed on either the Lincoln College -Lincoln or Lincoln college - Normal campuses or
in Central Illinois, there have been confirmed cases in other parts of Illinois, in neighboring states, and on
college campuses across the country.

I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone that Lincoln College does have an Emergency Response
Plan and we remain in contact with local health officials as we continue to monitor the situation.

If you have not previously done so, you can sign up for text message alerts by enrolling at http://www.e2campus.com/my/lincolncollege/
You can select to receive alerts for Lincoln College – Lincoln or Lincoln College – Normal (MCC students should choose LCN).

If students have any flu-like symptoms, they are encouraged to immediately contact Lincoln College Campus Health Services at 217.732.3155 or 800.569.0556.340.

Faculty and staff should call their personal healthcare providers. If you are diagnosed with any flu-like symptoms,
please do not go to class or work. Symptoms to watch out for include a sudden fever, body aches, pains, nausea, diarrhea,
sore throat, coughing or unexplained fatigue.

As a reminder, some of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu are the easiest to do:

• Wash your hands frequently with warm soap and water. Hand sanitizers also work well
• Disinfect your telephone, keyboards, and any other frequently-used surfaces often
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve instead of your hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill or who have flu-like symptoms
• Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Get plenty of rest
• Eat nutritious meals and drink lots of fluids
• And although its easier said, than done - manage your stress

If you have concerns, contact Campus Health Services at 217.732.3155.340.

Lincoln College is prepared to respond to a swine flu outbreak on campus or in the community. We are prepared
to care for any of our students, faculty or staff who come down with symptoms and protect others
in the campus community if the disease spreads.

Campus Health Services staff continue to monitor the situation and are in communication with regional health officials.
Anyone who is planning international travel as part of their academic studies should check with
their Faculty Advisor or the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov.

For additional information about the H1N1 “Swine Flu” outbreak, please visit the CDC Web site:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm or the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site:
http://www.idph.state.il.us/swine_flu/index.htm

Back

Lincoln College was founded in 1865 as Lincoln University, the only institution of higher education named for Abraham Lincoln during his lifetime. It is a selective, two-year, private, liberal arts college located in Lincoln, Illinois. Lincoln College is designed to prepare a student for university study through a structured, supportive approach to learning. Approximately 89% of Lincoln College graduates transfer immediately to a four-year school where they succeed as well as or better than the native student. Student-teacher ratio at Lincoln College is 13:1 and the average class size is 16 students.