With the start of the traditional flu season and suspected increase in H1N1 (swine flu) cases, we want to do our best to ensure students are taking measures to protect their health and that of those around them. Please read and follow these important guidelines:

Prevention:

·         Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as that spreads germs.

·         Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.

·         Stay home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). This will reduce the spread to others.

If You Have Flu or Flu-like Symptoms:

·         Do not come to class on campus if you have flu symptoms.  The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

·         Please call the campus promptly to report that you are ill with the flu. This allows us to notify your instructors as well as track the potential spread of influenza.

·         Most individuals with H1N1 (swine flu) experience mild symptoms and do not require medical care. If you experience moderate to severe symptoms or have a medical condition that increases your risk for complications, you should contact your health care provider by telephone. This allows them to take appropriate measures to limit exposure should you be instructed to visit a health care facility.

·         Students who become ill during the day should notify their instructor and go home to rest.

How Coursework / Attendance Will Be Handled:

·         Due to the public health concern regarding H1N1, we are waiving our general policy of no make-up work. Students who timely report that they have swine flu to the campus will receive reasonable accommodation for assignment due dates and tests.

·         For healthcare students who have come down with the H1N1 virus and have to miss clinical hours, we will work with them to reschedule their clinical hours or arrange alternate make-up assignments.

·         Be sure to notify us of your illness so arrangements can be made for make-up work.

·         Instructors will have syllabi and handouts for their courses posted on HCNet so that those who need to stay home but feel well enough to do some reading, etc., can follow along with course assignments.

We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our campus environment as healthy as possible. Please inform your campus Dean or President of any further suggestions you may have.