TO: Students, Faculty and Staff
FROM: University Health Center and
Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness
Subject: H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Recommendations for Students, Faculty
and Staff
The University of Georgia and University Health Center officials continue to monitor the spread of the H1N1 virus. The Health Center has diagnosed many cases of H1N1 in the student population and has noted seasonal flu is also emerging. We anticipate more cases of both throughout the semester.
Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu have identical symptoms which include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater), sore throat, muscle aches, cough, runny nose and fatigue. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The virus is typically spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
UGA is following recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for college and university environments. These guidelines note that institutions of higher education may act as a “point of spread,” yet they also “recognize the need to balance risks of illness among faculty, students, and staff with the benefits of keeping students in classes.” CDC currently is not recommending institutions close or cancel classes or other large gatherings. We will update the university community should the CDC change its public health recommendations in this regard.
To reduce the impact of influenza illness, all members of the university community are advised to take the following measures:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the used tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol-based cleaners, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Avoid eating or drinking after others.
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Get the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine when available.
Anyone who develops flu symptoms should immediately contact a health care provider. If you have flu-like illness, remain at home and away from other people except to go to the doctor’s office. Guidelines from the CDC state that individuals who present these symptoms should remain isolated until at least 24 hours after the fever has passed without the use of fever reducers (such as Tylenol or ibuprofen).
Wear a facemask – if available and tolerable – when sharing common spaces with other household members to help prevent spreading the virus to others. This is especially important if other household members are at high risk for complications from influenza.
If you must leave your home, wear your face mask if available and tolerable.
STUDENTS:
Each student has been assigned to a primary care provider at the University Health Center. Students who develop symptoms and who need to see a provider can make an appointment online at www.uhs.uga.edu or call the assigned primary care clinic. If you do not know your assigned clinic, go to the above Web site and click on the button that says “Who is my primary care provider?”or click here.
Clinic phone numbers
- Medical Clinic Blue 706-542-8654
- Medical Clinic Gold 706-542-8609
- Medical Clinic Green 706-542-8650
- Medical Clinic Red 706-542-8636
- Urgent Care Clinic 706-542-5048
Students diagnosed with flu or influenza-like illness (ILI) are encouraged to return to their off-campus home and should remain home until they no longer have fever or have signs of fever without the aid of fever reducers. Students who live on campus and cannot return home should self isolate in their rooms and remain there until fever free without the aid of fever reducers.
Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms get worse or if you experience increasing fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, or rapid breathing.
Students who receive treatment at the University Health Center will receive verification of the date and time of their visit to the University Health Center. No medical “excuses” are provided. Students who receive treatment from a community physician should seek verification of their visit from that provider.
Students should immediately notify their instructors by phone or electronically of the inability to attend class. Only instructors have the authority to excuse students from class. Instructors are asked to review their attendance policies in light of the CDC recommendations and clearly present any revised attendance policies to students if changes are made. They also are asked to be sensitive to this public health situation and use discretion as it relates to student attendance and participation.
The University Health Center’s Urgent Care Clinic is open Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Health Center’s flu information line at 706-542-8631 also is available Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Additional information is available at the Health Center website at www.uhs.uga.edu.
FACULTY AND STAFF
Employees who develop flu-like symptoms and who must be absent from work should notify their supervisor via phone or electronically. Employees will not be required to present proof of illness unless they have been absent because of illness for 10 working days. Human Resources is preparing a detailed list of frequently-asked questions for supervisors and employees, which will provide additional guidance on personnel-related policies and procedures. In the meantime, if you have questions please contact Human Resources at 706-542-2222 or email hrweb@uga.edu.
If you have planning questions relative to your organization, please contact Office of Security & Preparedness at 706-542-5845 or email osep@uga.edu.
For additional information, review the CDC website on “Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home”: http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm |
