H1N1 (Swine) Flu:
Recommendations for Faculty
The current incidence of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu is now at level 6 pandemic, the highest level. The average age of H1N1 patients is 20. During the summer and into the beginning of the fall term, several Florida Atlantic University students have been symptomatically identified as being ill with the Swine Flu. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) anticipates incidences of this disease will begin to increase markedly by mid-September.
Most patients nationally and locally have experienced mild to moderate cases, do not require medical care and have recovered within seven days, often fewer. Those who have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant may be at special risk and should contact their health provider for possible antiviral treatment.
National authorities estimate that 25-50% of a class may be absent with the flu sometime over the course of the semester, therefore special considerations are warranted.
Ill students: Universities are not authorized to bar students from class on the basis of this flu. Students experiencing flu-like symptoms should be encouraged, however, to take the following actions:
- Isolate themselves from others as much as possible.
- Contact Student Health Services or other health care providers for advice.
- Wash their hands thoroughly and often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also recommended.
- Stay home until they have been fever free (below 100º F) for at least 24 hours without fever reducing medication.
Course considerations:
- Faculty are encouraged to adapt courses by placing as much material as possible (assignments, activities, and lecture outlines) on class websites. See information at: http://www.fau.edu/irm/instructional/h1n1.php
- Faculty should be more flexible with attendance and make-up policies. Most students will be able to make up work missed because of a bout with the H1N1 virus.
- Medical personnel may be overwhelmed if students are required to provide medical excuses for absences due to flu. Most cases of H1N1 do not require medical treatment.
- Faculty should encourage students to meet with an advisor before dropping a course or withdrawing from the university as these actions can have significant academic and financial consequences.
Faculty illness:
- The same considerations of personal hygiene and care described above for students apply. Anyone experiencing flu-like illness should stay home.
- Faculty should promptly notify their program or department chair or dean so that arrangements can be made regarding classes and other scheduled activities.
- Departments and colleges should develop plans for dealing with potentially large numbers of instructor absences. One plan is to adopt a “Buddy System” whereby instructional personnel (faculty, GTAs, adjuncts) are paired with someone who could substitute in an emergency. Another plan is to identify a cadre of instructors who could substitute in an emergency.
For further information, please visit:
www.fau.edu/facilities/ehs/safety/H1N1.php
Or call:
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
The Florida H1N1 Flu Hot Line: 877-352-3581
Environmental Health & Safety: 561-297-0028
Student Health Services: 561-297-3516.
