SCSU vs. The Flu

If you are sick with the flu or otherwise, don't come to class -- just email me and let me know the situation. The English Dept. attendance policy is designed to ensure students attend most to all classes, but personal health is more important and sickness will not be penalized.

Today we received the following information from University Health officials:

In light of the recent CDC reports regarding the earlier onset and possible increased severity of the flu season, it is important for us to prepare for the start of the semester. Unlike H1N1, which was a novel virus at the onset, the current strains that are circulating have been around in the past. It appears that one of the more common strains seems to be causing more severe illness.

The first and most important preventative action is to obtain the influenza vaccine if you haven’t already done so. This is particularly crucial for those people with chronic illnesses or pregnancy. It is not too late as the season can sometimes continue until as late as April or May. Flu shots will be available in limited supply at Health Services when our shipment arrives this week and can also be obtained at local pharmacies or walk-in clinics (see Health Services website for contact information). An email update will be distributed as soon as a definitive time can be determined.

Be conscious of the usual precautions which include hand washing, avoiding contact with sick persons, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate rest, hydration, and nutrition. Medication may be prescribed early in the course of the illness but is used to shorten the duration of symptoms and minimize the transmission to others. There is no “cure” for the infection. For any questions regarding specifics of the upcoming flu season please refer to CDC.gov/flu or contact the Granoff Health and Wellness Center at (203) 392-6300 to schedule an appointment.

For current students, in the event that you are sick with a fever and flu-like symptoms - which may include sudden onset of cough, sore throat, headache, or fatigue - please prepare a plan to manage your symptoms as well as any classwork that may be missed. For residential students, you may wish to make arrangements to return home and notify your RA. If this is not possible, take-out containers of food are available at Connecticut Hall and may be obtained by a friend if they present your Hoot Loot card. Have adequate supplies of acetaminophen to control fever and water to prevent dehydration.

Arrangements should be made with professors by email as soon as possible after the onset of illness, and students should not return to class until fever has resolved for 24 hours without medication.