This year’s flu strain is proving to be especially fierce, with 20 deaths already reported nationwide. Locally, the Delaware General Health District reports that from January 5-11, “Ohio has seen the highest number of influenza-associated hospitalizations since reporting was required in 2011.”
As a result, we’re reminding everyone of our shared responsibility to help protect the health of our campus. If you develop a flu-like illness with symptoms including the sudden onset of a fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headache and/or fatigue, you should remain isolated until you are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.
To help protect yourself and others from the flu virus, it also is important to:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face as much as possible.
- Cough and sneeze into disposable tissues and immediately place used tissues into a waste basket. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands; if a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
- Wash your hands frequently with hot soapy water, especially after using a tissue, the restroom, or helping someone who is sick. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and rinse well. Use a disposable paper towel to dry your hands, and use the towel to turn off the faucet and open the restroom door.
- Get your flu shot – the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend flu shots for most people. That said, vaccine effectiveness has been lower against the current predominant strain (Influenza A). As a result, the use of antiviral medications for treatment – combined with vaccination for prevention – will become even more important than usual.
- Ask your healthcare provider about treatment with influenza antiviral drugs if you become very sick with the flu or if you are at high risk of flu illness and get the flu.
Students with flu symptoms should call the Student Health Center at (740) 368-3160. Employees may consult their personal healthcare providers or the Health Center if desired. We continue to offer flu vaccinations to the campus community. We can bill your insurance or the self-pay rate is $25. The Delaware General Health District, 3 W. Winter St., also offers vaccinations.
The Student Health Center, located in Stuyvesant Hall, is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For medical assistance at other times, here is a list of area care locations.
For more influenza information, visit the CDC’s influenza page. Thank you for helping us to keep our campus healthy.
Marsha Tilden C.N.P.
Director, Student Health Services