| A Message About Dealing With the Flu From Dean Thomas V. Wolfe
Dear student,
With all the information currently from the media and the government regarding both the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu, we want to provide you an update on the steps the University is taking to keep our community healthy and to provide information for students who might get sick this flu season. I want you to know that Syracuse University cares about making sure you are informed about giving yourself the best chance to stay healthy this flu season and what to do if you become ill. Here is some good advice to take into consideration this flu season.
Stay healthy You can improve your chances of not getting the flu by doing 3 simple things:
1. Keep it clean: Wash your hands often and thoroughly and sanitize surfaces, particularly those often touched by human hands. 2. Keep it to yourself: Don't share beverages or food and avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes. 3. Get the flu shot: Plan to get the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine, as they become available. Health Services expects the flu vaccine to become available in the month of September. For the latest information on flu vaccine clinics, visit http://sunews.syr.edu/h1n1flu/index.html. Flu vaccines for students are free but in limited supply. H1N1 vaccines will be administered in accordance with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when available this fall.
If you think you're sick 1. Know the symptoms. Flu symptoms typically include sudden onset of cough, fever and body aches, fatigue, and lack of appetite. 2. Call Health Services at 315-443-9005 for an appointment. When you go to Health Services, you will be evaluated. If you are determined to have the flu, Health Services will give you recommendations on how to care for yourself and provide a Flu-Pak to help limit transmission to others. 3. Keep it to yourself: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow. Try to limit contact with others to prevent infecting others. Wear a surgical mask if you have to be in crowded places.
If you are sick 1. Stay in your residence hall or apartment. Know your class attendance policy and make alternate arrangements for missed assignments and exams. If you have a job or other obligations, let someone know that you will stay out until your fever is gone. 2. Increase fluid intake. 3. Get plenty of sleep. 4. Be considerate to your roommates and hall/suitemates and limit contact to avoid spreading the virus. Wear a surgical mask if you have to be in crowded places. 5. Control fever with acetaminophen and ibuprofen as directed by a health care professional. Do not take aspirin or anything with aspirin in it. If you are not feeling well enough to go to the dining hall, University Food Services will be delivering 3-meal "get well" packages containing nutritious foods recommended for those exhibiting flu-like symptoms and high fevers. These include: oatmeal, applesauce, pudding and gelatin cups, soup, fresh fruit, tea, juice and electrolyte beverages. These packages will be available in residence halls and in various locations for off-campus students. Health Services will provide more information on this option as part of your visit.
Be prepared Beyond the "get well" meal packages, other good things to have on hand are non-perishable foods such as dry cereal and granola, protein or fruit bars and ready-to-eat packaged foods like canned or packaged soup. You may also want to have medicines for fever, a thermometer, anti-diarrheal medications, electrolyte drinks and tissues. Many of these items are available at the University Bookstore and in local supermarkets.
You should also get the e-mail address for at least one person in each of your classes, so you can stay up to date on the material.
Living with someone who has the flu may mean you may become exposed to the virus, but it does not necessarily mean you will get sick. If your roommate gets sick, be sure to limit your contact and help him/her if you can. Take extra precautions with hand washing and sanitize commonly used items such as computer keyboards, doorknobs and remote controls. Try to help your roommate by bringing meals from the dining center, if your roommate requests it, and try to give him/her some quiet time to rest. You may consider studying outside the room so you don't have to turn on the light, going to watch television in a lounge instead of your room, or picking up a box of tissues for your roommate on your way back from class. Your roommate will appreciate your caring.
For more information on flu-related questions on specific topics, contact:
· General health care and flu prevention: SU Health Services, 443-9005, healthservices@students.syr.edu
· On-campus residence halls and apartments: Bill Longcore, Office of Residence Life, 443-3637, wjlongco@syr.edu
· Off-campus students: Darya Rotblat, Off-Campus and Commuter Services, 443-5489, darotbla@syr.edu
· International students: Slutzker Center for International Services: 443-2457, lescis@syr.edu
· Parent/family concerns: Colleen O'Connor Bench, Parents Office, 443-1200, cobench@syr.edu
· Academic policy topics: Sandra Hurd, Academic Affairs, 443-1899, snhurd@syr.edu
You will receive additional information on seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus via e-mail, the Web and other forms of communication as the information becomes available. Do not hesitate to contact any of the offices above with your questions or concerns. Your health and peace of mind are important to us.
With best regards,
Thomas V. Wolfe Senior Vice President and Dean Division of Student Affairs |
