Influenza Information

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Influenza Information

Questions and Answers

Why should I be concerned about the flu?

Students, faculty and staff can get sick with flu, and colleges and universities may act as a "point of spread." Students, faculty and staff can easily spread flu to others on campus as well as in the Bryan-College Station community. To date, the highest number of cases of 2009 H1N1 flu have been confirmed among people 5-24 years old. They are also at risk of getting seasonal influenza.

Is Texas A&M adequately prepared to handle the 2009-2010 flu season?

Yes. Campus preparations are firmly in place for what health officials anticipate will be an active season worldwide for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. However, efforts to fully combat the spread of the illness can't be successful without the help of all students, faculty and staff. As has been widely reported, flu can be spread easily from person to person. Therefore, university officials are taking steps to reduce the spread of flu. However, we need the entire Aggie Family to help us accomplish this by taking a few precautions - get a seasonal flu shot, practice good hand-washing procedures, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cover your cough. We continue to work closely with the local, state and federal health officials to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us. For now, we are doing everything we can to keep Texas A&M operating as usual.

What steps should Texas A&M students, faculty and staff take to stay healthy and keep from spreading the flu?

Here are four important ways faculty, students and staff can stay healthy and keep from getting sick with flu or spreading the flu. They should:

Practice good hand hygiene. They should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Practice respiratory etiquette. The main way flu spreads is from person to person in droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it's important that people cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when they cough or sneeze. If they don't have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their elbow or shoulder, not their hands.
Stay home if they are sick. Stay home or in their place of residence for at least 24 hours after they no long have a fever.
Talk to their health care providers about whether they should be vaccinated. Students, faculty and staff who want protection from the flu are encouraged to get vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also students, faculty and staff who are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes). For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

Students, faculty and staff should take personal responsibility to help slow the spread of the flu virus. By practicing these steps, they can keep from getting sick from flu and help protect others from getting the flu.

Contamination and Cleaning

With the growing concern about the spread of the virus, efforts have intensified campus-wide to help ensure the safety of the Aggie family. Custodial Services has implemented supplemental cleaning protocols to help ensure that you are as well protected as possible during the flu season. In highly trafficked areas, custodians are using sanitizing wipes to frequently clean water fountains, door knobs and handles, elevator buttons, handrails, glass, trim on doors and light switches. Also, restrooms and classrooms are being policed and cleaned more frequently than usual. Residence Hall staff will be wiping down common areas frequently with disinfectants. Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to consider adopting a similar practice in their organizations to help prevent the spread of flu.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu?: Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.
How do I recognize a fever or signs of a fever?: A fever is a temperature that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius when taken with a thermometer. Look for these possible signs of fever: if he or she feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
How do I know if someone has 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu?: It will be very hard to tell if someone who is sick has 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu. Public health officials and medical authorities will not be recommending laboratory tests. Anyone who has the symptoms of flu-like illness should stay home and not go to work.
What fever-reducing medications can students, faculty and staff take when sick?: Fever-reducing medications are medicines that contain acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin). These medicines can be given to people who are sick with flu to help bring their fever down and relieve their pain. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age who has flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

Prevention

What steps are Texas A&M officials taking to keep sick students, faculty and staff from spreading flu?

Strongly encouraging sick students, faculty and staff to stay home and away from other people until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have flushed appearance or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Sick students are advised to return home for the recommended self-isolation period. Residence Life or the Commandant's staff will identify appropriate housing accommodations for ill students in the event that self-isolation is not possible and/or a student cannot return home. Non-corps students should contact their Resident Advisor or Hall Director and corps students should contact the Commandant's staff if they believe that they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Sick students with private rooms are asked to remain in their own rooms and receive care and meals from one person, if possible.
If students are ill, arrangements for food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) can be made by printing out a Sick Tray Request Form found at http://diningservices.tamu.edu/sicktrays.stm and having a friend take the completed form, along with the sick student's ID, to a dining center for food pick-up. The Sick Tray Request form authorizes a friend to use the sick student's ID to pick up food for them.
Officials are establishing a method for maintaining contact with students who are sick.
There will be on-going communication to instruct students, faculty and staff to promptly seek medical attention if they have a medical condition that places them at higher risk of flu-related complications, are concerned about their illness or develop severe symptoms. Severe symptoms include increased fever, shortness of breath, chest pain or pressure, fast breathing, bluish skin color, vomiting, dizziness or confusion.

What is self-isolation?

Self-isolation is when sick people stay home and away from other people until they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). During the period of self-isolation, sick people should limit contact with others and try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from people. If close contact cannot be avoided, sick people should wear a surgical mask when they are around other people, if they can tolerate it.

During current flu conditions, people who are sick should stay home and away from other people until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. If flu conditions become more severe, those who are sick should stay at their home, dormitory or residence hall for at least 7 days, even if symptoms go away sooner. People who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away.

Who should receive a flu vaccination?

Vaccines will be available this year to protect against seasonal flu. Children 6 months through 18 years of age, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes) and everyone age 50 and older should be vaccinated against seasonal flu as early as possible. The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine became available in the fall of 2009. Certain groups at higher risk for complications from this flu are advised to get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine as soon as possible. These groups include:

pregnant women
people who live with and care for children younger than 6 months of age
healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years (this includes most students attending institutions of higher education)
people ages 25-64 years of age who have chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes) or compromised immune systems.

Will Texas A&M provide vaccinations for seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu?

Yes. Students are strongly encouraged to get the seasonal flu shot for fall 2009, available from Student Health Services for $18.00. Please call (979) 458-8250 to schedule an appointment. The H1N1 vaccination also will be offered to students when it becomes available.

People at Higher Risk for Complications

Which students, faculty and staff are at higher risk for complications from flu?

Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people) and anyone can have serious problems from the flu. Students, faculty and staff should be encouraged to talk with their health care provider to determine if they are at higher risk for flu complications, especially if they have been in close contact with others who are sick with flu or flu-like illness.

Some groups are at higher risk for complications from the flu. These include children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) and people 65 years of age and older.

What actions should pregnant students, faculty or staff take to protect themselves from the flu?

Pregnant women should follow the same guidance as the general public related to staying home when sick, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and routine cleaning. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications from flu and, like all people at higher risk, should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible if they develop flu-like symptoms. Early treatment with antiviral flu medicines is recommended for pregnant women who have the flu; these medicines are most effective when started within the first 48 hours of feeling sick.

Pregnant women should know that they are part of the first priority group to receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine. Seasonal flu vaccine is also recommended for pregnant women and can be given at any time during pregnancy.

If You Are Sick - STUDENTS

What should students living on campus do if they get the flu?

Students with flu-like illness should remain at home - except if they need to seek medical care - and should not go to class, student organization meetings, or other events until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).

If students get sick, and live on campus or in the Bryan-College Station area, they are advised to return to their local residence for the recommended self-isolation period. Students should not use the university bus system or other forms of public transportation if they are ill. Additionally, students should avoid driving long distances while ill.

Residence Life staff or the Commandant's Office will identify appropriate housing accommodations for ill students in the event that self-isolation is not possible and/or a student cannot return home. Non-corps students should notify their Resident Advisor or Hall Director and corps students should notify the Commandant's Office if they believe that they are experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Contact the Dial-a-Nurse 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 979-458-8379 for advice about whether to seek medical evaluation and/or how to care for yourself. Antiviral medications, if started within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, may reduce the length of illness. Antiviral medications are appropriate for some, but not all, persons with flu-like symptoms.

Arrangements for food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) can be made by printing out a Sick Tray Request Form found at http://diningservices.tamu.edu/sicktrays.stm and having a friend take the completed form, along with the sick student's ID, to a dining center for food pick up. The Sick Tray Request form authorizes a friend to use the sick student's ID to pick up food for them.

Also, if students are going to miss class due to illness, it is important to communicate directly with their instructor through his/her preferred means of communication.

What fever-reducing medications can students take when sick?

Fever-reducing medications are medicines that contain acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin). These medicines can be given to people who are sick with flu to help bring their fever down and relieve their pain. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years of age who have flu; this can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome.

What steps should I take if my roommate is sick with the flu?

You should limit your contact with your sick roommate and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet from him or her.
If close contact cannot be avoided, your sick roommate should wear a surgical mask, if tolerable, when he or she is around you and other people.
You should frequently clean commonly-touched surfaces.

How long should students with the flu stay at home or in their residence?

Under current flu conditions, students with flu-like symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). The sick person may decide to stop taking fever-reducing medicines as he or she begins to feel better. This person should continue to monitor his or her temperature until it has been normal for 24 hours.

If flu conditions become more severe, the sick person should stay home or in this or her residence for 7 days. A person who is still sick after 7 days should stay home until 24 hours after the symptoms have gone away. In addition, this longer period should be used in healthcare settings and may be considered anywhere a high number of people at higher risk for complications from flu may be exposed, such as childcare facilities. Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider's office, and they should avoid contact with others. Keeping people with a fever at home may reduce the number of people who get infected with the flu virus. Because high body temperatures are linked with higher amounts of virus, people with a fever may be more contagious.

What is Texas A&M's policy regarding sick leave for students?

Most importantly, if students are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home - except if you need to seek medical care - and do not go to class , student organization meetings, or other events until your fever is gone for a 24-hour period without fever- reducing medication. The Aggie Honor Code and the Student Rules (Rule 7) apply to students who, because of illness, may need to makeup absences, exams or assignments. During this flu season, we likely will not be able to require a medical professional to verify a flu-like illness for an excused medical absence. Faculty members are encouraged to err on the side of caution and will use their judgment regarding proper documentation for absenteeism. Students will not be penalized if they act responsibly.

Students who have the flu are strongly encouraged to be proactive in communicating with their instructors using the instructor's prescribed method of communication. Also, faculty members have been urged to reiterate how they want their students to contact them - telephone, email, etc. - if they must miss a class.

Student Health Services is posting a form on its website, titled " Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class for Influenza-like Illness." This form will be considered as sufficient documentation for class absences related to influenza-like illness. The form and more information about how to use the form can be found at http://flu.tamu.edu.

What should international students do if classes are suspended at a U.S. institution of higher education they are attending?

International students should follow all flu recommendations their institutions make for students. If classes are suspended during severe flu conditions, international students and others who do not have easy access to alternative housing should stay on campus. Students should try to limit contact with other people. Institutions should plan to continue education through distance-based learning methods for students who remain on campus as well as those who leave to go home.

Parent of a sick student

As a parent of a student who attends Texas A&M, should I bring them home?: If possible, residential students with flu-like illness whose families live near the Bryan-College Station area should go home to self-isolate. They should return home in a way that limits contact with others as much as possible. For example, travel by private car or taxi would be preferable over use of public transportation. They should stay away from other people until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Should my child who is a student at Texas A&M get antiviral medicine if they get sick?: Parents should make sure their child knows if he or she is at higher risk for flu complications. People at higher risk for flu complications, including students, faculty and staff with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes), who become sick with flu-like illness should call their health care provider as soon as possible to determine if they need antiviral treatment. Early treatment with antiviral medicines often can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. Parents should encourage sick students who are at higher risk for flu complications to seek early treatment. Antiviral medicines are not given to all people during flu season because most people get better on their own, over-use can promote antiviral-resistant viruses and administration of antiviral medicines can cause adverse reactions in some people.

If You Are Sick - Faculty & Staff

What should faculty and staff do if they get the flu?

Most importantly, if you are sick, please stay home - except to seek medical care - and do not go to work or class until you have been without a fever for 24 hours without taking a fever-reducing medication. We ask that you notify your supervisor immediately if you become ill with flu-like symptoms and ensure that your leave records are as up-to-date as possible. If you come to work sick, you may be required to take leave if your supervisor determines that continued work could potentially create a significant risk to co-workers and other Texas A&M employees.

What fever-reducing medications can faculty and staff take when sick?

What is Texas A&M's policy regarding sick leave for employees?

It is important that Texas A&M System regulations regarding sick leave (http://tamus.edu/offices/policy/policies/pdf/31-03-02.pdf) be followed. As stated in the regulation and in an effort to ease the burden on health care providers, if an employee is ill for more than three days with the flu, supervisors and/or managers are permitted to allow the employee to provide a written statement of the facts concerning the illness without requiring a doctor's note. However, based on the specific situation, supervisors and/or managers may require documentation by the physician for any illness of more than three days.

How long should faculty and staff member with the flu stay at home or in their residence?

Under current flu conditions faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). The sick person may decide to stop taking fever-reducing medicines as he or she begins to feel better. This person should continue to monitor his or her temperature until it has been normal for 24 hours.

If flu conditions become more severe, the sick person should stay home or in their residence for 7 days. A person who is still sick after 7 days should stay home until 24 hours after the symptoms have gone away. In addition, this longer period should be used in healthcare settings and may be considered anywhere a high number of people at higher risk for complications from flu may be exposed, such as childcare facilities.

Sick people should stay at home or in their residence except to go to the health care provider's office, and they should avoid contact with others. Keeping people with a fever at home may reduce the number of people who get infected with the flu virus. Because high body temperatures are linked with higher amounts of virus, people with a fever may be more contagious.

International Travel

What should I do if I'm planning to travel abroad?: Anyone planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State (http://www.state.gov/ ) for the most current travel alerts, and be familiar with the university's international travel guidelines and resources.