CAES Newswire

 College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences UGA Cooperative Extension
Menu
Published on 04/30/09

Flu outbreak requires preventative measures

By Faith Peppers
University of Georgia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an outbreak of H1N1 influenza, otherwise called swine flu, continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Confirmed cases have resulted in a number of hospitalizations and one reported death in the U.S.

Internationally, the situation is serious. The World Health Organization elevated the Pandemic Influenza Alert to Phase 5, which indicates there is now widespread human-to-human transmission of the swine flu.

Preventing the spread of any type of influenza requires a little caution and care, according to Cooperative Extension experts with the Extension Disaster Education Network.

To stay healthy or to limit the flu’s spread, remember to:

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

    • Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. For more information, visit the Extension Disaster Education Network http://www.eden.lsu.edu/default.aspx

    Faith Peppers is the director of public affairs with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

    Experts/Sources:
    SLF2 CAES News
    Spotting trouble: How Georgians can help combat spotted lanternfly 12/24/24 Emily Cabrera
    Native to several Asian countries, the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) was first detected in the United States in 2014 in Pennsylvania, likely arriving via imported goods. Since its arrival, the pest has spread to 15 states in the Eastern U.S., now including Georgia. While they do not bite or sting humans or animals, University of Georgia experts stress that early detection, prevention strategies and timely interventions are crucial to minimizing the spread and impact of this pest on a variety of plants.
    Top research stories of 2024 CAES News
    Top UGA research stories of 2024 12/23/24 Olivia Randall
    As the new year approaches, it’s time to reflect on 2024, a year full of exciting research achievements at the University of Georgia. UGA researchers have made their marks examining crucial topics like the health of water resources and urban infrastructure in the face of climate change, the causes of higher suicide rates among young Black men, and an alarming trend in rates of Type 2 diabetes, among other groundbreaking work. Let’s take a closer look at 12 of the most impactful stories of the past year.
    After a hearty climb, Connect Abroad Italy students pose in front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. (Photo by Angel Bhardwaj) CAES News
    UGA ranks as leading doctoral institution for study abroad 12/20/24 Angel Bhardwaj
    The University of Georgia remains among the top 10 U.S. universities for study abroad participation, according to the 2024 Open Doors Report released by the Institute of International Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of State. UGA boasts the highest study abroad participation to enrollment ratio of the top 7 ranked doctoral institutions, earning the No. 7 spot in overall participation and No. 3 in short-term study abroad programs.
    HurricaneHeleneGreenhouseDamageCropped CAES News
    UGA Extension supports resilience in Georgia farm communities after Hurricane Helene 12/19/24 Emily Cabrera
    Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.
    From left, CAES Associate Professor Abigail Borron and Fulbright Romanian-American Foundation Scholars Mihai Suteu, Daniyar Memedemin, Alina Zaharia, Andreea Ona and Daniel Chiciudean stand in front of an image of the Romanian flag projected onto a barn at UGArden. CAES News
    Fulbright Scholars unite with UGA Extension to envision ag outreach model in Romania 12/18/24 Maria M. Lameiras
    Arriving on the Athens campus of the University of Georgia in August 2023, five Romanian scholars experienced the same anticipation, excitement and apprehension as many first-year students.  Chosen as Fulbright Romanian-American Foundation Scholars, each serves on the faculty at one of three Romanian universities, specializing in fields from economics and engineering to plant breeding and biotechnology. The five scholars comprised the first cohort of the Romanian Extension Education Development Program, an ambitious three-year pilot effort to facilitate planning and implementation of extension services in Romania. 
    Janiver in sunflower field AI web CAES News
    A larger-than-life legacy: CAES student’s contagious enthusiasm inspired others 12/17/24 Jordan Powers
    When Miriam Edelkind-Vealey applied for a summer role at a University of Georgia pollinator biodiversity lab in 2020, the junior undergrad didn’t quite know what to expect. After being told she got the position, Edelkind-Vealy didn’t hear anything for a few weeks. It was only then that she learned a collaborator on the project, second-year master’s degree student Amy Joy Janvier, had passed away.