Archive

Know What to Do About the Flu
August 26, 2009 8:00 AM

TSTC administrators continually monitor local and state reports about H1N1 influenza, commonly called the Swine Flu. The college will relay important updates to students and employees. Anti-viral cleanser dispensers are located in all campus buildings. College Nurse Emily Gonzales, Student Center Room 132, phone 956.364.4306, is available for consultation.

Sanitary precautions remain the most effective approach to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus. The World Health Organization declared the H1N1 outbreak a pandemic on June 11, but education and proactive steps reduce the health risk. Information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is available online at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ and the State of Texas offers online resources at www.texasflu.org.

The CDC recommends these preventative measures.

  •  Frequently cleanse hands with anti-bacterial products.
  •  Sneeze or cough into a facial tissue or shirt sleeve.
  •  See a doctor if temperature exceeds 100 degrees.
  •  If you become ill, stay home at least 24 hours after the fever.

Symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The illness may persist for a week or more. Many infected people also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Groups at higher risk for serious complications include children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease), and people 65 years and older. Someone suffering from the flu who seeks medical care should wear a facemask, if available and tolerable.

Below is the link to the sobering “Report to the President on US Preparations for 2009-H1N1 Influenza”

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/PCAST_H1N1_Report.pdf

Heat Advisory
July 23, 2009 5:00 AM

National Weather Service - Brownsville, TX

The combination of warm temperatures and high dewpoints will produce heat indicies between 105 and 110 degrees. Residents with outdoor activities planned are urged to drink plenty of water, wear light weight and light colored clothing, and take frequesnt breaks from the heat. young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach leathal temperatures in a matter of minutes.

H1N1 Flu Update
May 6, 2009 1:19 PM
Effective 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2009, Texas State Technical College Harlingen will lift the suspension of public assemblies of more than 30 persons. There have been no reported cases of H1N1 flu at TSTC Harlingen, and no College classes have been canceled. Some of the school districts with whom TSTC partners for Dual Enrollment did cancel classes, and those Dual Enrollment classes will resume when the high schools reopen. TSTC's long-standing relationships with local school districts remain strong, and the College supports the school districts' decisions to ensure the health and well-being of their students and staff.

In accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advisories, students and employees with influenza-like illness (fever with cough or sore throat) should stay home or not go in to the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days, even if symptoms resolve sooner. All students and employees should continue to stringently exercise good hygiene and follow the recommendations to prevent the spread of influenza. College administration will continue to communicate with state and county health officials regarding the H1N1 flu to ensure a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, and our community.

Swine Flu Update
April 30, 2009 1:51 PM
On April 30 TSTC administration was notified by an EMS instructor at the TSTC Fire Academy that he had served as a member of the crew that transported a child from a Brownsville hospital to a local airport. This child subsequently died and is the single confirmed Swine Flu death reported from a Houston-area hospital. It is our understanding that the EMS call was treated as a pneumonia case and the proper protocol of mask, gloves, and eye protection was followed.

Since then the instructor taught three EMS classes at the TSTC Fire Academy and is not teaching at this time. The instructor shows no symptoms of the flu. On a conference call between officials from the Texas Department of State Health Services (Dr. Brian Smith and Dr. Charles Wing) and TSTC (Dr. Cesar Maldonado, Mr. Pat Hobbs, Mrs. Cathy Maples and Nurse Emily Gonzales) Dr. Smith advised that the instructor “is well past the incubation period and poses no risk of contracting the flu from past or future contact.” Dr. Smith advised that the instructor can continue teaching without any health risk to those around him.

TSTC officials will remain in close contact with the Department of Health Services for any future updates.

Students, faculty and staff may contact TSTC Student Health Services at 364-4306 regarding questions or concerns.

TSTC Public Assembly Events Postponed
April 29, 2009 5:20 PM
In monitoring the current swine flu outbreak, Texas State Technical College Harlingen announces the postponement of this weekend’s public assembly events and a Monday campus-wide meeting. Friday’s Noche de Gala, honoring Col. Bill Card, Saturday’s Graduation Ceremony, and Monday’s Employee In-service are all postponed. All other campus operations, including classes, exams, and employee schedules will remain in effect until further notice. TSTC regrets the inconvenience of postponing these public events, but we believe this is in the best interest of public health and well-being.

Notice of the rescheduling for each of the above events will be made at a later date.

Classes and Events on Schedule
April 28, 2009 5:00 PM
TSTC continues to closely monitor the Swine Flu outbreak, and the safety of all TSTC students, employees, and the community continue to be top prioirty. At this time, all TSTC activities will meet as scheduled, including all classes and registration. TSTC's Noche De Gala, honoring Colonel Bill Card, and TSTC's Spring Graduation will also meet as scheduled. If there is a change to the schedule, TSTC will notify students, employees, and the community through the TSTC Emergency Notification System, local media outlets, and our website: www.harlingen.tstc.edu.

Information Hot-line created
April 28, 2009 4:45 PM
To reach as many members of the TSTC community as possible, TSTC has established a toll-free information line that provides a recorded message with the latest information in English and Spanish. Call the TSTC Information Line at 877.450.3595.

Swine Influenza Information
Posted: April 28, 2009 11:09 AM
The TSTC Student Services Department, in conjunction with state and local health departments are requesting that you join us in closely monitoring the nationwide Swine Flu Public Health Emergency. Read More

Chemical/Environmental Technology.