Familiarize yourself with College resources that might assist you and your students if a serious flu outbreak occurs.

• What to do if you have flu-like symptoms -  This page provides information on H1N1 from Health Services.

• Simpson has a health policy for employees

• Additional sources of information include the CDC - http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Please find below  the most recent guidance from the CDC that applies to any flu virus circulating during the 2009-10 academic year.  You are the biggest factor in determining the prevention of the spread of flu.

Here is what You can Do to prevent the Flu……

• Do wash your hands with soap and water frequently; especially after a cough or sneeze. Alcohol-Based hand cleaners are also effective.

• Do practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or  sneeze into your sleeve ( Do It In Your Sleeve !!!), not your hands.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Do know the signs and symptoms of the flu: a fever of 100 degrees or greater with a cough or sore throat.  Additional symptoms may include a runny nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue.  Some have experienced vomiting and diarrhea..

• Do get a flu shot…for the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu.  Flu Shot Clinics will be held on campus  this fall.  Watch for campus wide announcements.

• Do keep your space clean

If you experience flu or flu-like symptoms:

• Stay home . Contact Student Health Services @ 961-1604 and inform your professors. The majority of individuals who contract the virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. Antiviral medicines are not given to all people during flu season because most people get better on their own. Contact your physician if you have questions about treatment with antivirals. If you are pregnant or of you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart/lung problems or a weakened immune system you should consult your physician.

• Practice self-isolation:
  • If practical residential students should return home to recover.
  • If travel is not feasible, ill students should remain in their room.  Health Services will supply a flu kit (disposable thermometers, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, salt for gargle, tissue, & mask) to support you as you recover.

• What should you do if your roommate is ill ?
  • Limit your contact with your sick roommate and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet.
  • If close contact cannot be avoided, the ill roommate should wear a mask, if tolerable, when around others.
  • If the ill roommate is not able to leave the room we strongly encourage you to stay with a friend until the fever stage of the illness passes ( 2-3 days)

You should be without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) before returning to work or class.

Clean commonly touched surfaces frequently.

 Please watch for further bulletins regarding the flu and call if you have questions and concerns.

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