"You have come here in apprehension, looking for ways to combat the virus," said Justin Gaines,
coordinator of Emergency Preparedness and Occupational Safety.

The forum dispeled myths regarding the spread of the H1N1 virus and suggested ways the university
community can keep themselves safe. It is not possible to contract the H1N1 virus from food, even
from pork. It is suggested that individuals do not share utensils or drinks and maintain a distance
of six feet from those who appear sick.

There is no vaccine at this time for the H1N1 virus but the Center for Disease Control has
encouraged health care providers to distribute the seasonal flu shot earlier this year in the hope
that the seasonal flu and the HIN1 virus will not combine to form a more dangerous combination of
the flu. The Health Clinic ran out of the seasonal flu shot within two days of receiving it but is
expecting another shipment.

"The CDC has set priority groups for the H1N1 vaccination. We will be following their guidelines in
administering the vaccination when it becomes available," said Alice Loper, director of Health
Services. These priority groups are pregnant women, emergency care workers, and people aged 6
months to 24 years, according to the CDC web site. People over age 24 with compromised immune
systems will also be among the first to receive the vaccine when it becomes available.

"The worst thing we can do is panic about this situation," said Loper. Systems are in place to
notify students of possible dangers on campus and precautions have been taken to ensure that the
university community remains as healthy as possible.

Georgia College is taking neccesary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, including
placing hand sanitizer strategically around campus. Individuals are encouraged to practice good
hygiene and wash their hand at every opporunitity.

"You cannot wash your hands too much," said Gaines. The university is currently working to
implement antibacterial wipes in the Instructional Technology Center to combat the spread of the
virus.

Ten Georgia College students have been sent home with flu-like symptoms and one has been
hospitalized. The students who have not been hospitalized are improving. The university urges
students, faculty and staff who may feel sick to stay home. It is important to stay home up to 24
hours after symptoms have ceased.

Dates will be announced for future forums. In the meantime students are encouraged to check their
myCATS account for universitywide updates. Updates on the H1N1 virus as it affects Georgia College
can be accessed on the university web site,
http://www.gcsu.edu/swineflu/

"Prevention and mitigation are the only protection we have against this virus," said Loper.

For more information, please contact Justin Gaines at (478) 445-2025.