Will Pierce College close if H1N1 influenza is reported?
No. The CDC is NOT currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes if cases of the H1N1 virus are reported. Current information suggests most cases of illness from this virus are similar in severity to seasonal influenza.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu "What is it?"
According to the Washington State Department of Health, the H1N1 virus is normally found in pigs. There are many such viruses and they rarely infect humans. The virus currently causing human illness is a new type of swine flu that does infect people and can be transmitted from person to person. It is not transmitted from eating pork products. Rather, like other respiratory diseases, it is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch.
Pierce College Contact
Rob Anderson, MSPH, CSP, CIH
District Health and Safety Manager
(253) 964-6632
