Influenza Information
For Students
Important Information for Students Regarding the H1N1 Virus
University officials are fully prepared for what health officials anticipate will be an active season for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. However, efforts to fully combat the spread of the illness can't be successful without your help. As you know, precaution is key to help prevent the spread of the illness. So, we strongly encourage you to get both a seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine when it is available, practice good hand-washing procedures, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cover your cough.
Most importantly, if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home - except if you need to seek medical care - and do not go to class, student organization meetings, or other events until your fever is gone for a 24-hour period, without fever-reducing medication. As a reminder, flu-like symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of fever over 100 degrees F
- Sore throat and/or cough
- Nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea
If you get sick and live on campus or in the Bryan-College Station area, please return to your local residence for the recommended self-isolation period. Also, please don't use the university bus system or other forms of public transportation if you are ill. Additionally, avoid driving long distances while ill.
If you are going to miss class due to illness, please communicate with your instructor through his or her preferred means of communication. Student Health Services is posting a form on its website titled " Explanatory Statement for Absence from Class for Influenza-like Illness." This form will be considered as sufficient documentation for class absences related to influenza-like illness. The form and more information about how to use the form can be found at flu.tamu.edu. You are strongly encouraged to be proactive in communicating with your faculty if you will be out due to illness.
The Dial-a-Nurse 24-hour Nurse Advice Line at 979-458-8379 is available to you for advice about whether to seek medical evaluation and/or how to care for yourself. Antiviral medications, if started within the first 48 hours of onset of symptoms, may reduce the length of illness. Antiviral medications are appropriate for some, but not all, persons with flu-like symptoms.
You are strongly encouraged to get the seasonal flu shot as well. Seasonal flu shots for fall 2009 are available at Student Health Service for $18.00. Please call (979) 458-8250 to schedule an appointment. The H1N1 vaccination will be available to students based on when the vaccine becomes available through the state health department.
