Flu Information
To all members and friends of the Concordia University Chicago community:
Because the flu can be spread easily from person to person, we take steps each year to prevent its spread on our campus for as long as possible and ask everyone’s help in following recommended health practices to accomplish this.
This year, the Centers for Disease Control and the medical community—along with institutions such as Concordia—are closely monitoring the potential spread of a particular flu strain caused by the H1N1 flu virus (formerly known as “the swine flu.”)
This web page is to provide ongoing information about prevention efforts, updates and resources as we all take a role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of all members of our campus community.
Prevention is critical and a responsibility for all of us. First, it is important to know that following the same good health practices that prevent the spread of flu are just as effective in preventing spread of the H1N1 flu virus. In accordance with CDC guidelines, we ask all members of our campus community to:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and washing your hands immediately afterward. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. Symptoms include chills or fever (a temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) and a cough or sore throat. Possible signs of fever are if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering. Additional flu symptoms can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work.
- Talk with your health care providers about whether you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. Also if you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. People at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes). Click here for more CDC information about priority groups for vaccination.
A University committee representing Administration, Student Services, Communications and Campus Safety is at work coordinating the University’s preparations in all areas to minimize the spread of flu on campus, and will continue to do so on an ongoing basis.
Our work includes coordinating extra measures among all University units as necessary and providing ongoing updates and guidance to faculty, staff, students and parents. We continue to work closely with the state and local health departments to monitor flu conditions, as well as monitor and act in accordance with CDC information and guidelines.
If this year’s flu season becomes severe, we may take additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
Such steps could include:
- Increasing social distance (physical space) between people in classroom and campus areas.
- Encouraging students, faculty and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home, and extending the sick time that students, faculty, or staff stay home or in their residences.
- Suspending classes, a decision we would make together with local and state health officials.
During severe flu conditions, sick people should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better sooner. Those who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away.
We ask everyone to be familiar with these symptoms, review fact sheets and updates as they become available on this page and take advantage of the comprehensive online resources of the federal Centers for Disease Control by visiting www.flu.gov or by calling 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).
Dean of Students Jeff Hynes and the Student Services staff are available to University students and their family members at any time with questions, at 708-209-3005 or student.services@cuchicago.edu.
If you are not a University student or parent but have questions, contact Community and Media Relations Directions Director Kim McCullough at 708-209-3122 or pr@cuchicago.edu for assistance or to be immediately connected with the University office that can help.
