The Newman community was recently briefed by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Austin, Ph.D. and Human Resources Director Rhonda Cantrell regarding the steps Newman is taking in response to the H1N1 virus threat.Human Resources is working to effectively monitor the health and well-being of the campus community and therefore is asking all members of the Newman community to help identify other community members who report absences due to flu or flu-like symptoms.
Absences for adjunct instructors, faculty and staff should be reported daily to Sherry Hoelker in Human Resources at ext. 2202 or e-mail [email protected].
Student absences should be reported to Jennifer Koftan at ext. 2209 or [email protected].
In addition:
Rooms in Merlini Hall have been identified for use to isolate ill students if necessary
Boxed meals will be delivered to ill students by Resident Assistants as needed
Newman is working with community health agencies to bring H1N1 and seasonal vaccinations on campus. Details will be shared as they are finalized.
Campus-wide updates will be issued as new information warrants.
“We cannot be concerned with whether or not the actual medical diagnosis of H1N1 is made as many physicians may not test to determine the type of influenza strain the individual has contracted,” said Cantrell. “We encourage everyone to practice covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands frequently and/or use hand sanitizer, staying home, once you’ve had a fever, for at least 24 hours after the fever has ended without the use of medication, and getting vaccinated once it becomes available.”
H1N1 flu virus symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with H1N1 flu virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. If you are sick you should not go to work or school for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
