Chancellor's Message on Human Swine Influenza
April 29, 2009 
Aloha! There is understandable concern about the swine influenza outbreaks which began in Mexico but now have been reported in six states, as well as several other countries. No human cases of swine influenza (H1N1) virus infection have been confirmed in Hawaiʻi.
Having reliable information and remaining calm during such times are important for all of us. For current information, please go to our UH Mānoa website which provides links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
(CDC), the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health , as well as additional resources. Also, you can view our Draft UH Mānoa Pandemic Response Plan (PDF), which describes how our campus is prepared to deal with the situation. We'll keep you informed as developments occur.
Keeping our community healthy is the goal, so we'll all need to do our part in that effort. Please follow the CDC's advice on everyday practices that help keep us healthy, such as: 1) covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and discarding the tissue in the trash after use; 2) washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing, and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers; 3) avoiding the touching of your eyes, nose, or mouth, since germs spread that way; 4) avoiding close contact with sick people; and 5) if you fall ill, stay home from school and work and limit contact with others to avoid spreading the infection.
Many different viruses cause respiratory disease, so be aware that the symptoms of influenza virus infection typically include: fever (temperature above 100º Fahrenheit), cough, sore throat, tiredness, headache and muscle aches.
Mahalo,
Virginia S. Hinshaw
Chancellor