Information for Students
The H1N1 virus is circulating through the United States, and indeed worldwide, and it is expected that the virus is already circulating in Pennsylvania as well.
You should take proper precautions to protect yourself:
- Wash hands often
- Avoid touching your nose, lips and mouth
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Cover nose and mouth with tissue when coughing and sneezing
- Throw tissues away after use
- If you do not have a tissue, sneeze into your shirt sleeve
- Get plenty of sleep
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Be physically active
- Eat nutritious foods
- Manage stress
As long as you are healthy, you should make every effort to attend every class and keep up with your assignments, since it is possible that you may become infected later in the semester, requiring you to be absent from class.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for possible signs of fever: if you feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating or shivering.
If You Have Symptoms of the Flu
Do not go to class if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees F) or signs of a fever (chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). Students with symptoms will be instructed to contact their instructors by telephone or email to arrange for makeup work or online assignments, if available.
Students may telephone Student Health Services (SHS) (570) 941-7667 to report symptoms and to obtain suggestions for self-care, including increased fluid intake, the use of over the counter fever and pain reducers, and/or a recommendation on whether to come to SHS for evaluation. SHS will provide students with written verification of visits to our facility if such verification is required by faculty. SHS will follow University policy regarding classes, gatherings or social events. Students who are ill will be advised that they should not be present at such group meetings.
SHS will advise students on a case by case basis. Some students with flu-like symptoms will be encouraged to return home for family care if you live within a reasonable distance and you have safe transportation. (You should not use public transportation if you have flu-like illness, in order to reduce possible transmission to others.)
Additionally, students with flu-like illness who also have underlying chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes or asthma, or may be pregnant, or have compromised immune systems, should seek medical advice. Such individuals may require additional care, including in some cases, hospitalization, as they are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
The CDC recommends that you seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomenSudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
University of Scranton students can obtain emergency transportation by calling Public Safety at (570) 941-7777.
Roommates with underlying chronic medical conditions are asked to contact Student Health Services if their roommate develops flu-like symptoms so that additional measures can be taken if indicated.
