Questions and Answers About Health Risk

Q. Can you tell how this (swine flu) is affecting your trip?
A. A second University, we were scheduled to visit, cancelled since their classes were cancelled by the President of Mexico. But, otherwise our trip has not been affected. We are on schedule as if there is no swine flu problem. There have been no reported cases of influenza in the State of Guanajuato. However, there is a doctor available to take care of our needs should we require it.

Q. Are you monitoring the students daily and if so, how?
A. The students have been asked to let me know if and when someone starts to feel bad. They have been briefed on the flu, and the signs that might be experienced. Thus far, everyone is perfectly healthy!

Q. Has the swine flu placed a cloud over the trip?
A. The students are a little disappointed that everyone is making such a big deal out of the flu when the closest case is more than four hours away from where we are visiting. The students understand why the concern, but it is taking time and attention away from our visit. An interesting thing about this situation is the students are not thinking about the flu or getting the flu unless we receive an e-mail from campus. Some students are receiving e-mails from friends asking if they are sick yet. The question appears to irritate them since they want the focus on this internship.

Q. There have been reports that in addition to schools, restaurants are now being closed – have you seen that where you are?
A. We do not have additional schools, restaurants, etc. being closed. Business facilities are open as usual, and all restaurants remain open. We have been told not as many people are eating in restaurants since the outbreak. However, the restaurants are still very busy.

Q. What precautionary measures are you taking?
A. We are still washing our hands many times each day, and using the liquid sanitizer between washings.

I met Mrs. Fox today, and she did not shake my hand. She briefed me that the President of Mexico has asked all citizens to stop shaking hands and/or kissing on the cheek when they are greeting each other. She stated that she wanted to comply with his wishes. So, we did an oriental greeting!