H1N1 Influenza - E-mail to UMKC Students

August 28, 2009

Dear Students,
As we wrap up the first week of classes, I want to provide you with more information on campus services and activities to help you stay focused, healthy, and engaged with campus life.

At this time, I’d like to highlight ways to stay healthy now and during the flu season.  Keep reading for tips on practicing good hygiene, taking care of yourself, and what to do if you are sick.  This information and more is also available at the Student Health and Wellness Influenza/H1N1 Resource Page:  http://web2.umkc.edu/chtc/health/pages/flu.html.

 
Good Hygiene Tips
You may have noticed fliers posted around campus with tips on stopping the spread of germs, such as covering your cough/sneeze, washing your hands with soap and water, and using hand sanitizer (which is available at several locations across campus). 
 
Taking Care of Yourself
Get plenty of rest, eat nutritious food, drink plenty of water, and reduce your stress level.  Visit the MindBody Connection for stress relieving tips or plan time for a workout at Swinney Recreation Center.
In addition, get a seasonal flu vaccination.  According to the CDC this is the number one form of flu prevention and should be available at UMKC Student Health and Wellness in September or October (quantities may be limited).  Students will receive a special subsidized rate of $10 for the seasonal flu vaccine.  Please keep in mind that the H1N1 vaccination is separate from the seasonal flu vaccination, and more information will be available as soon as it is released for distribution. 
 
Symptoms for Influenza-Like Illnesses
Symptoms for influenza-like illnesses, such as H1N1 (Swine Flu) and regular seasonal flu, include high fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, and headache.  To date, most cases of H1N1 have been relatively minor and may be managed safely at home; flu symptoms typically last 3-7 days.  However, anyone with a chronic health condition is at increased risk for complications and should contact a health care provider immediately.  If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, see your health care provider as soon as possible.

What To Do If You Feel Sick
If you have these symptoms, call UMKC Student Health and Wellness (816.235.6133) or your regular health care provider for an appointment to assess your illness. 
•    Stay home and limit your interaction with other people until after you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. 
•     Primary treatment is rest, fluids (1-2 glasses of liquid for every hour you are awake), monitoring temperature, and using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for symptom relief. 
Please keep in mind that Tamiflu or other anti-viral medications may be reserved for people who have a higher risk for complications (such as those with a chronic illness). 
•     If you live on campus, alert your Resident Assistant and if possible have a parent or other family member take you home while you recuperate.  Roommates and suitemates can check-out disinfectant cleaning supplies from the front desk to clean their living areas and bathrooms.
•    Contact your instructors immediately to alert them you are sick and will be missing class.  Discuss arrangements to make-up your missed coursework and clarify the absence policy—instructors may require a note from your health care provider to confirm illness or verify you are well enough to return to class.  The UMKC HelpLine can assist in contacting your professors on your behalf to alert them of your illness.  Contact the HelpLine at 816.235.2222 or umkc-helpline@umkc.edu.

As always, the health and safety of our University community is our primary concern.  If someone is not feeling well, and they are experiencing fever and flu-like symptoms, encourage them to stay at home and to seek medical attention for assessment.  Further information about UMKC Student Health and Wellness can be found at:  http://web2.umkc.edu/chtc/health/.

If you have additional questions on any of these resources, please contact the UMKC HelpLine at 816.235.2222 and our staff members will assist in answering your questions or referring you to the appropriate campus office.

Sincerely,
Mel Tyler
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management