The H1N1 influenza virus (formerly known as swine flu) was first detected in the United States in April 2009.  It is now the predominant strain of flu in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  Approximately 98% of all specimens being tested, are positive for the H1N1 virus.

At Saint Joseph's University, the health of the campus community is a priority.  We are committed to providing up to date information on H1N1 and we need your help to spread the word about how to stay healthy this school year.

The Information Technology Helpdesk Support staff in BL 30 and staff at the Student Technology Center in SC 129 are taking precautionary measures to maintain a sterile work environment in an effort to keep the university community healthy.  Listed below are just few examples of what we are doing to keep you healthy in regards to computing in the SC 129 lab, and computer support and maintenance as well.

•   Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
•   Using an alcohol-based hand cleaner before accepting computers at the Faculty Helpdesk in BL 30 and at the STC in SC 129.  
•   Using antimicrobial alcohol wipes to wipe down the keyboards of computers dropped off before being worked on.
•   Using antimicrobial alcohol wipes to wipe down the keyboards of computers in the SC 129 lab and 129 classroom nightly.
•   Using antimicrobial alcohol wipes to wipe down the keyboards of the training laptops used during IT Training.
•   Using antimicrobial alcohol-based wipes to wipe down frequently touched common surfaces in the office area, such as telephones, computer keyboards, doorknobs, etc.
•   Using an alcohol-based hand cleaner before using a co-workers' phone, work area, computer mouse and keyboard, or other work tools and equipment.
•   Gloves are also available to staff working on computers dropped off to the STC and Information Technology Helpdesk.

The University released an article pertaining to how the University is preparing for a possible flu outbreak this semester.  Included in the article is the University protocol for the H1N1 pandemic.