There is an ongoing concern among national public health officials about the H1N1 virus, otherwise known as the swine flu. With the start of the academic year, Misericordia University has taken multiple steps to mitigate and minimize the impact of possible cases of flu on campus. With multiple colleges and universities across the country reporting confirmed cases of H1N1 on campus, Misericordia has adopted several policies recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.

The process begins with understanding flu symptoms: 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.

The University asks that anyone — student, faculty, staff or administration — with a 100-degree temperature or higher to stay home for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever (chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance or are sweating). For residential students, the University asks for you to make arrangements to go home and remain there for at least 24 hours.

For residential students who cannot make arrangements to return home, the University recommends social distancing. The University will provide alternative living arrangements in the Anderson Sports and Health Center.

Students who have flu symptoms are also asked to contact their professors that they will not be attending class(es). As in any case for missing time due to illness, students will be required to make up all work.

A lower temperature should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications, like those that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Staying away from others while sick or suspected of being sick can prevent others from getting sick, too.

In all cases, the University asks those with symptoms to contact the Health Center at (570) 674-6276.

PROTECTING YOURSELF:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available. In high-traffic areas, the University has also installed numerous hand sanitizers around campus for the convenience of the campus community.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs are spread more easily in this fashion.

Call your health care provider to determine if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus. Misericordia University’s Health Center will receive a limited supply of vaccinations for the seasonal flu and students who have been identified as high risk will receive first preference for inoculations. The seasonal vaccination costs $20. The University has also applied for the H1N1 vaccination, which can also be obtained through the Back Mountain Walgreens on Route 309.

Eat Breakfast and Eat Healthy: By eating nutritious meals during regular meal times throughout the day you provide yourself with the required nutrition and energy for a healthy and sound body.

Check for Updates: Monitor www.cdc.gov and www.flu.gov for the latest information and enroll in Misericordia University Alert Management for important alerts from the University. Check your Misericordia e-mail accounts and The University will further update the campus community via e-mail blasts and by posting updates at www.misericordia.edu/news.