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How can I tell if I have the flu?
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention flu-like illness is defined this way:
- A fever of 100.4 F or greater, plus a cough or sore throat.
- Possibly other symptoms, including a runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.
How will I know if I have H1N1 flu?
You may not know, for sure, but if you have the symptoms listed above, you can be fairly confident you have H1N1 influenza. State health officials have determined that it’s no longer necessary to test specifically for this novel strain of Influenza A, as 98 percent of individuals in Michigan with flu-like symptoms at this time of year have H1N1.
What are some things I can do to keep from getting the flu?
- Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing, "The Victors") using soap and water or hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your nose and eyes directly.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve - not your hand.
- Use tissues and dispose of them properly. (See Prevention Tips)
Will the Campus Advantage properties offer H1N1 vaccinations to students?
No. However, we will research information of where residents can get vaccinations, including on campus and in the surrounding community. Please ask your Community Assistant or General Manager for information.
Should students also get a seasonal flu vaccination?
Yes. While college students are not among those at high risk for the seasonal flu, we always encourages students to get this vaccine.
Is there anything special I should send to campus with my student in case he/she gets sick with the flu?
It might be good to have students stay suppliedl with a supply of tissues and hand sanitizer. We will be encouraging frequent hand washing and the use of tissues to cover coughs. These basic practices really can help to slow the spread of illnesses like the flu.
What should a student do who gets sick with the flu just when it’s time to move in this fall?
Please stay home to recover. There’s no point in starting the academic year isolated in a residence hall room. It’s best to remain at home until the student is symptom free for 24 hours.
What will happen if a student on campus gets sick with the flu?
At Campus Advantage properties, we will be following the recommendations of the CDC for college students:
- Isolation until 24 hours after the ill student is free of fever (100 degrees F) without the use of fever-lowering medications. In most cases this will mean three-five days. This new recommendation is a reduction from the previous seven-day isolation period. Isolation helps to prevent the spread of the flu and rest may help students recover more easily.
Students who are able, may wish to go home or to the home of a friend in the area for the isolation period. For those who are not, we will ask students to self-isolate themselves in their residence hall rooms or apartments until they are free of fever. It’s important to note that we mayl have very limited housing spaces that might be used to quarantine high-risk roommates of ill students.
- Treatment of ill individuals with the prescription drug Tamiflu is recommended by the CDC only if there is an underlying health condition (severe asthma, diabetes, HIV disease, immune deficiency) or the individual is considered high risk (pregnant, over age 65).
If a student is isolated in a residence hall room, how will the student be able to eat?
The university will make arrangements to deliver food to their rooms. Residence hall staff will be checking on students regularly and transportation to the University Health Service will be available for students who need to see a physician. Students who live off campus will be supported by the staff at University Health Service but will need to make their own arrangements for food. If they are unable to do so, they should contact the Dean of Students Office.
What should students do if they get sick with the flu and have to miss classes?
Should students become ill during the academic year and need to miss classes for several days, we recommend student scontact their instructors. We will happily assist with contacting the appropriate campus contacts if needed.
Should I be concerned about using keyboards in common computing areas?
Keyboards certainly are one way the flu can be transmitted from one person to another. Use a hand sanitizer before and after using a shared keyboard and keep your hands away from your nose and mouth.
Will hand sanitizer be more widely available on properties?
Yes. You can expect to see hand sanitizer dispensers in the common areas of Campus Advantage buildings and facilities this fall. It’s also not a bad idea for students to carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer in their backpacks as they move from class to class throughout the day.
Where can I look for additional information?
Information on the flu from U.S. health officials:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
Recommendations for colleges and universities:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm |
