Dean Cammy Abernathy addresses students about swine flu concerns.

As you know, H1N1 (a.k.a. swine) flu virus is very much a concern this fall.  Given the possibility of an outbreak in our area, I would like to bring your attention to a few items.

First, I would like to echo the importance of following the guidelines outlined by the Center for Disease Control, which are listed on the UF Web site. Please share this site with your peers and encourage them to stay at home if they are ill until they have been free of fever for 24 hours.

Second, please be responsible with missing class. While the College of Engineering and the University are making every effort to ensure students affected with H1N1 have access to class assignments, notes and exams, it is the of the utmost priority that this is not abused. Please let your professors know as soon as possible so you don't fall too far behind. For more information on what to do if you do contract H1N1: http://news.ufl.edu/2009/08/25/swine-flu-advice/.

Finally, we all sincerely hope that this illness does not permeate our campus, but it is prudent for all of us to be prepared in the event that a severe outbreak does occur.

Cammy Abernathy, Dean