By Stephanie Holland
By Stephanie Holland
With 16 confirmed cases and 23 probable cases as of April 30, the H1N1 influenza virus, better known as swine flu has thrust California into an outbreak situation
In the Inland Empire there has been one confirmed case in San Bernardino County and five probable cases in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, resulting in the closure of Indio High School, Pollard High School, Mission Bell Elementary School and Cole Elementary School.
According to the California Department of Public Health Web site, swine flu is a flu virus that causes respiratory disease. It is spread like the regular flu and its symptoms are similar to those of a normal flu virus.
They include fever, cough, headaches, body aches, chills, sore throat and fatigue.
Currently, the Riverside Community College District has not been affected by the most recent outbreak in the Inland Empire. Classes are continuing as usual and all services are operating.
The RCC Web site also gives to students and faculty a chance to stay informed by signing up for the AlertU system. It is an emergency alert text message system that keeps everyone updated on campus announcements.
Students can also enroll by texting RCC (Riverside Campus), Norco (Norco Campus) or MOVY (Moreno Valley Campus) to 253788.
The most important thing to remember is to use common sense to stay healthy.
•Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer.
•Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
•Avoid contact with sick people.
•If you feel sick, stay home.
For accurate updates on the swine flu crisis check the California Department of Public Health Web site.