Faculty experts on swine flu
The U.S. government has declared a public-health emergency in the United States because of swine flu, also called “H1N1,” and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize plans is short. University of South Carolina faculty can discuss health risks associated with the flu outbreak, the need for precautions among healthcare workers and individuals, the spread of infectious diseases and fears among children. Contact the university’s Office of Media Relations, 803-777-5400, to arrange interviews.
Infectious Diseases: Everything You Need to Know
Dr. Helmut Albrecht, director of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, has considerable experience as an investigator on multiple national and internal trials for more than two decades. He can discuss the spread of communicable diseases and preventive health measures for individuals and communities. Internationally recognized for his expertise in the field of infectious diseases, Albrecht is a reviewer for prestigious journals, including AIDS, Clinical Investigator, the Annals of Internal Medicine and JAMA. He has published more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and several book chapters. Dr. Albrecht is a member of the editorial board of "AIDS Clinical Care" and editor of HIV Medicine.
Keeping the Medical Workforce Healthy
Dr. Joshua Mann is medical director of employee/student health for the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and an associate professor in the department of family and preventive medicine. He can discuss the day-to-day challenges of keeping the medical workforce healthy and on the front lines of treating patients.
Patients, Workplace Health and Prevention
Dr. Gary Ewing is director of occupational medicine for University Primary Care. In addition to his medical degree, Dr. Ewing earned a master’s degree in public health. He is board certified in preventive medicine and occupational health and can talk about a wide range of topics related to H1N1, including patient care, preventive measures, occupational health and the public-health aspects of an epidemic.
The medical epidemiology of a flu outbreak
Dr. Eric Brenner, a medical epidemiologist, is on the faculty of the Arnold School of Public Health and also is a medical epidemiologist in the Division of Acute Disease Epidemiology at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. He can talk about the health risks posed by H1N1 to different groups, including pregnant women, seniors and children; the epidemiology of a flu outbreak; and disease prevention.
Washing hands v. Hand Sanitizers
Prevention and education are paramount in a disease epidemic. Health experts are calling on adults and children to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizers. Dr. Brandon Bookstaver and Dr. Celeste Rudisill, faculty members in the South Carolina College of Pharmacy at the University of South Carolina campus, are experts on infectious-disease prevention, including basic steps that families can take to ensure that they remain healthy.
Talking to Children about the Epidemic
The flu news is 24 hours a day, and many parents and children are listening. However, the news can be alarming and frightening to children who are hearing about the first death from the epidemic, school closings and disease symptoms. Dr. Kathleen Scharer, a psychiatric nurse in the College of Nursing, can discuss the need for parents to monitor what their children are watching, hearing and reading. She also can provide tips on what parents should tell their children about H1N1 and how families can take proactive steps to reduce their risks for contracting the flu.
Front Lines of Patient Care
Public-health nurses will have a valuable role in patient care and treatment. Dr. Judy Alexander, an associate professor in the College of Nursing, teaches community and environmental health to students in the college’s doctoral program and arranges clinical training for undergraduates. She can discuss the role of public-health nurses during an epidemic and the need for responsible communication to keep hysteria to a minimum.
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