University Health Advisory

During the past year we have all been acutely aware of the emergence and effect of the H1N1 flu.  As the H1N1 flu and other flu illnesses continue to pose a potential threat to the health and safety of the University community, the University continues to take a number of precautionary measures:

• University officials monitor the status of the H1N1 flu and other flu illnesses, to include constant contact with the Saginaw County Department of Public Health.
   
  
• The University Health Center, a partnership of the University and Covenant HealthCare, is prepared to respond with the appropriate medical assistance.   Faculty, staff and students may seek that medical assistance whenever necessary.
   
  
• The University community will be advised as to any medical emergency as it may apply to the emergence and containment measures of any flu illnesses on the campus.
   
  
• Facilities staff will clean public areas with disinfectants to minimize the transmission of flu germs.  Hand sanitizers are already in computer laboratories and everyone is encouraged to use them.  Other precautions will be taken as new circumstances dictate.

While the Administration is prepared to undertake those measures necessary to protect the health and safety of University community, there are several actions that each member of the community can take:

• The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the H1N1 flu.
   
  
• If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your physician and stay at home to avoid infecting others.  (Staff who have exhausted all leave balances may borrow from any future accruals up to a maximum of 10 days).
  

Please be aware that everyday preventive actions can enable you to avoid or limit exposure to a flu illness.  Specifically: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw the tissue in the trash after you use it; wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze (alcohol-based cleaners are also effective); avoid close contact with sick people; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs spread this way.

The University Health Center will monitor the availability of various vaccines, particular for the H1N1 flu.  While the University Health Center will continue to offer flu clinics, the University community will be advised when a H1N1 vaccine may be available.  Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their physician or the University Health Center to determine what vaccinations may be appropriate for this flu season.

While the University respects the privacy of each individual, its goal is to reduce the transmission and severity of this illness and provide information to enable everyone to avoid or lessen their exposure to this flu.  Therefore, it is requested that faculty and staff report to their supervisor or Department Chair when they experience the symptoms as noted above and encourage others with these symptoms to report them.  Residential students should report their symptoms to their Residence Assistant or Resident Director and commuter students should report their symptoms to the Dean of Student Affairs (StudentAffairs(at)svsu.edu or 989-964-4410).  Staff will maintain confidentiality of each individual's status but determine if the symptoms represent any need for a medical emergency intervention, e.g., actions to limit the transmission of the illness.