From: Michelle Paavola, MD, Acting
Medical Director Student Health Services
Re: Peak of the Influenza
Season
We are at the peak of the influenza
season. Students, faculty, and staff
should take a moment to review the
information below to safeguard your
health.
Our No Note Policy: In
accord with University Policy, Student
Health Services does not supply notes to
verify student illness in order to ensure
that SHS has adequate resources to care
for those students who require evaluation
and treatment.Faculty
are asked to please not request a note
from students. Thank you for your help
and support of students in this regard.
The best strategy
against influenza is prevention!
If you
have not yet received an influenza
vaccination, we strongly encourage you
to do so.
Immunization
can still provide some degree of
protection even in years where it
might not be as effective as previous
years.
Vaccination
is especially important if you are
pregnant, have, or live with someone
who has an underlying chronic health
condition such as asthma, diabetes, or
a weakened immune system.
Students
may call Student Health Services at
802-656-3350 to make an appointment to
receive the flu vaccine or come to one
of our walk-in flu vaccine clinics,
which take place Mondays, Wednesdays
and Fridays from 10 am -12 pm.
Faculty
and staff are encouraged to seek the
flu vaccine through their own
provider.
Practice
good hand hygiene--Wash your hands
or use hand sanitizer frequently.
Keep
your hands away from your face.
Cough
into a tissue or your sleeve to
minimize spread of the virus.
Do not
share cups or utensils, drinks, or
personal items.
For students who become ill with
flu-like symptoms—fever accompanied by
cough and/or sore throat:
Use
acetaminophen or ibuprofen (not
aspirin) to control the fever and help
reduce symptoms.
Stay
home. To decrease spread of the
influenza virus, remain in your room,
apartment or house until fever-free for
24 hours without the use of
fever-reducing medication, unless
otherwise advised by a clinician.
Get
extra rest and drink extra fluids.
Not
everyone with flu-like symptoms
requires a medical appointment.
For most people, the body will fight off
this viral infection within a week.
If you
are pregnant or have a chronic medical
condition such as asthma, heart
disease, diabetes, or compromised
immune system, treatment with an
antiviral medication should be
considered in the first 48 hours of
illness. Call Student Health
Services (802-656-3350) within 2 days of
symptom onset to schedule an
appointment.
Those
who are severely ill, need advice, or
have questions are encouraged to call
to speak with a tele-health nurse.
Students can reach someone for advice
24 hours a day by calling
802-656-3350.
Communicate
directly with your professors by
email or phone to negotiate needed
absences or extensions due to the flu.
