Flu FAQ
Flu FAQs from Auburn University Provost and Associate Provost
GENERAL FLU FAQ
For links to current, credible sources of information about H1N1 influenza, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2009 H1N1 flu website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 flu in people?
The symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever or chills plus cough or sore throat. Symptoms may also include body aches, headache, fatigue, runny nose, diarrhea or vomiting.
What are signs that I need to seek emergency medical care?
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care right away: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or a high fever that is not responding to Tylenol (acetaminophen).
How can I prevent the flu?
The best ways to reduce your chances of getting the flu are to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, cover your coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with those who are ill.
What should I do if I think I have the flu?
If you have symptoms of the flu, you should make an appointment with the AU Medical Clinic (334-844-4422) or consult your personal physician. If you are diagnosed with the flu by a medical provider other than the AU Medical Clinic, it is very important that you or your doctor contact the medical clinic’s flu reporting hotline at 334-844-1706. This will help Auburn University monitor the impact of the flu on campus and be proactive with our decision making.
What precautions are being taken at the Auburn University Medical Clinic to segregate patients with possible H1N1 flu, and prevent the spread of illness?
As all patients enter the building, there is a hands-free hand sanitizer for them to use. They then approach the front desk counter and check in by filling out a screening form and are asked specifically about symptoms of influenza like illness (ILI). If they answer yes to this, they are given a mask to immediately put on, are directed WITHOUT a beeper to the flu triage area and away from the general waiting room. Along the way, they have another hands-free sanitizer to use. They are asked to sit on specific chairs in the hallway, which are positioned at least four feet apart. In this remote area, there are four assigned exams rooms (out of thirty total at the clinic), one doctor, one nurse practitioner, one registered nurse and one medical assistant, who are gowned and masked up. The exam rooms are equipped with the bare essentials, so one would not find magazines or the like in it or any other extra materials not related to dealing with ILI.
In these rooms, the patients are screened, a nasal flu test swab is collected if indicated and their exam is done. If a flu swab was done, then it is transported to the lab. If the result is negative and there is a need for further testing like a blood test or strep or mononucleosis test, they are sent with their mask in place to the lab for that, but return to the same area to finish seeing the provider they saw initially. If their flu test is negative and no additional tests are needed, their diagnosis and treatment plan is explained and they are sent to check out where they have another opportunity to use a hands-free sanitizer.
If their test is positive or negative and we believe they have the flu, more questions are asked (e.g. do they live on or off campus, do they have roommates, do they share a room, where is their home and do they have someone to help them as they recover). Many times the medical clinic staff has the patient call his or her parents and speak with them. If their parents live within a reasonable distance (right now, four hours drive or less), then they are asked to consider going home. If they are in a situation where they can neither go home nor self isolate, then we offer to them to go to Auburn University’s social distancing residence area and a phone call is made to the Housing office, where arrangements are made to get them keys, arrange transport and an explanation of what they need to take with them. Once that call is completed, they are sent with their mask to check out, where another hands-free sanitizer is available before they leave the building. Should they need a prescription filled, they either go to the pharmacy located in the clinic or one in the community.
If there are any Women’s Health patients, they proceed directly to the second floor without stopping at the front reception desk and have their own separate waiting area, staff, exam rooms and clinicians on the second floor. For patients who do not have symptoms of ILI, they are given a beeper and are asked to wait in our general waiting room. They also have the opportunity to use hands-free sanitizers and if they request a mask, which some have, they are given one.
They are seen in different exam rooms by different clinicians. They do go to the same check out area, but that is because of the building design, as there is one exit hallway. They also use the hands-free santizer in that area.
The clinic has also put into place stringent cleaning with Cavercide of our beepers after each and every use (which right now are only being used by non-ILI patients), counter surfaces, door knobs, elevator buttons, chairs, handles and exam rooms.
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
I’ve been diagnosed by a doctor with the flu. What should I do?
On-Campus Residents
First, contact your resident director or manager and let he or she know that you’ve been diagnosed with flu.
If you live within a reasonable driving distance from campus and it’s possible to do so, return home via private vehicle and stay for the duration of your illness. This will allow for a more comfortable recovery and minimize other students’ exposure to the virus.
If you cannot return home, your resident director or manager will make other arrangements for you during your illness to minimize exposure to others in your residence hall. The university is currently offering temporary housing at Extension for on-campus residents who are ill and need to be separated from others. This housing consists of two bedroom, one bathroom apartments furnished with necessary furniture. If you are ill and are temporarily assigned to this housing facility, you will need to bring your own bed and bath linens and any other essentials. Note that shower curtains and toilet paper are provided, and internet and cable service are available. Additionally, Tiger Dining is providing delivered meals for those who do not have a friend or family member to provide these.
Follow directions of your medical provider. If you have underlying medical conditions that may put you at increased risk of complications from the flu, make sure you have discussed those with your medical provider.
Self-isolate by staying away from classes and work, and limiting interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Advise your professors of your illness, so that you can make arrangements for make-up work and exams as appropriate.
Students Residing Off-Campus
If you didn’t visit the AU Medical Clinic, please contact their flu reporting hotline at 334-844-1706 to report your illness. This will help Auburn University monitor the impact of the flu on campus and be proactive with our decision making.
If your permanent residence is within a reasonable driving distance from campus and it’s possible to do so, consider returning home, via private vehicle, for the duration of your illness, especially if you have roommates in the Auburn area that are still well. This will allow for a more comfortable recovery and minimize other students’ exposure to the virus.
Follow directions of your medical provider. If you have underlying medical conditions that may put you at increased risk of complications from the flu, make sure you have discussed those with your medical provider.
Self-isolate by staying away from classes and work, and limiting interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Advise your professors of your illness, so that you can make arrangements for make-up work and exams as appropriate.
My roommate is sick and I’m concerned that I might get sick as well. What should I do?
If you live on campus and your roommate has been diagnosed with the flu, please ask him or her to immediately contact the resident director or manager. If possible, your roommate should return home to his or her family via a private vehicle for the duration of his or her illness. If this is not possible, your resident director or resident manager will work with your roommate to relocate him or her to temporary housing to minimize other students’ exposure to the virus. You should also make sure to frequently clean regularly used areas and items such as restrooms, door knobs, and telephones.
If you live off campus and your roommate has the flu, encourage him or her to return to their permanent residence via private vehicle for the duration of the illness, if it is feasible to do so. If not, encourage him or her to self-isolate by staying away from others in the residence as much as possible. Make sure to clean shared items such as restrooms, telephones and doorknobs frequently. Visit CDC’s website for cleaning recommendations (www.cdc.gov/h1n1).
Are medical excuses required if I’ve had to miss class due to the flu?
Existing class absence policies as outlined in section 10.5.1 of the Tiger Cub (http://www.auburn.edu/tigercub/files/section6_2008.pdf) are being followed at this time. As stated in the Tiger Cub, requiring medical excuses is generally at the discretion of the individual professor. Make sure to advise your professors of your illness to ensure you are meeting course requirements for class absences and to make arrangements for make-up work and exams as appropriate.
When will vaccinations be available, and should I get one?
According to the CDC, one of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year, two different flu vaccines are expected to be available, one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1 flu.
Seasonal flu
Seasonal flu vaccine is now available in the Auburn area. The Auburn University Medical Clinic is holding seasonal flu vaccination clinics on Monday, 9/14 and Tuesday, 9/15 from 7:45 am to 1:00 pm. Vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The cost is $25 by cash or check. (However, there will be no direct cost to university employees covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance, as the clinic will file for reimbursement directly.) Additional flu vaccination clinics will be held as vaccine supply is available.
While this vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health state that the usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine early. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, a single seasonal flu vaccination is expected to provide protection against seasonal flu for the duration of the flu season (through spring 2010).
H1N1 flu
Vaccine for H1N1 flu is currently in production, but is not available at this time. The latest information from the state public health department indicates that the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in Alabama no earlier than mid October. The Auburn University Medical Clinic has placed a request for vaccine, but initial supply is expected to be limited and distribution will be handled by the state and local health departments. When available, the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine will be made available to students at the Auburn University Medical Clinic as well as mobile flu clinics on campus. Locations will be announced when vaccine is ready for distribution.
The CDC is currently recommending that the following groups receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it first becomes available: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people age 6 months through 24 years, and people age 25 through 64 years who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from influenza.
Will the university suspend classes or close campus as a result of this flu outbreak?
Auburn University is monitoring this situation closely, and is in regular contact with public health and medical professionals. We will rely heavily on the recommendations of these professionals in making critical decisions about campus operations. Given the current prevalence and severity of the flu, one of the main factors in evaluating the decision to suspend classes will be attendance and its impact on the university’s ability to fulfill its academic mission. Contingency plans are being reviewed and revised in case the severity and/or prevalence of the flu increases.
Where can I find information about campus events and operations?
Please visit the Auburn Web page at www.auburn.edu for up-to-date information on the status of campus activities.
INFORMATION FOR FACULTY & STAFF
I’ve been diagnosed by a doctor with the flu. What should I do?
Follow directions of your medical provider. If you have underlying medical conditions that may put you at increased risk of complications from the flu, make sure you have discussed those with your medical provider.
Self-isolate by staying away from work and limiting interactions with other people, except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
Advise your supervisor of your illness and your anticipated date of return to work. Keep your supervisor updated if your situation changes.
What is the university doing to minimize the spread of the flu on campus?
Auburn University has been strongly promoting hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as recommended by CDC, since April 2009 when the H1N1 flu began to emerge in the United States. We have done so with placement of hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations across campus, including athletic venues and common gathering areas. We have also distributed several thousand ‘wellness kits’ to students containing hand sanitizer, tissues and tips for staying healthy and preventing the flu. Flyers are posted throughout campus buildings reminding our campus community to frequently wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and minimize contact with others who are sick with the flu.
Starting in April 2009, we have modified our routine cleaning procedures to include more frequent disinfection of common areas and items such as restrooms, doorknobs, and public telephones. The virucide used for cleaning is registered and approved for Type A influenza disinfection by the EPA.
Additionally, we are now offering temporary housing for on-campus residents who are ill and need to be separated from others.
Will the university suspend classes or close campus as a result of this flu outbreak?
Auburn University is monitoring this situation closely, and is in regular contact with public health and medical professionals. We will rely heavily on the recommendations of these professionals in making critical decisions about campus operations. Given the current prevalence and severity of the flu, one of the main factors in evaluating the decision to suspend classes will be attendance and its impact on the university’s ability to fulfill its academic mission. Contingency plans are being reviewed and revised in case the severity and/or prevalence of the flu increases.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with novel H1N1 flu, should I go to work?
According to CDC guidance, employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with novel H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. You should monitor your health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. If you become ill, you should notify your supervisor and stay home. If you have an underlying medical condition or are pregnant, you should contact your health care provider for advice, because you might need to receive influenza anti-viral drugs to prevent illness. For more information, please see CDC’s General Business and Workplace Guidance for the Prevention of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Flu in Workers at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/workplace.htm.
When will vaccinations be available, and should I get one?
According to the CDC, one of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year, two different flu vaccines are expected to be available, one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1 flu.
Seasonal flu
Seasonal flu vaccine is now available in the Auburn area. The Auburn University Medical Clinic is holding seasonal flu vaccination clinics on Monday, 9/14 and Tuesday, 9/15 from 7:45 am to 1:00 pm. Vaccine will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The cost of the vaccine for University employees covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance will be covered by insurance. The cost for all others is $25 by cash or check. Additional flu vaccination clinics will be held as vaccine supply is available.
Additionally, the Pharmaceutical Care Center is offering flu vaccination clinics for employees and their dependents over 18 years of age. Each clinic will be limited to 50 doses of vaccine given on a first-come, first-served basis. Vaccination clinic dates, times and locations will be announced on a weekly basis through Auburn Daily. This week, clinics are being offered on Wednesday, 9/9 from 1:00-2:30 pm in the Telfair Peet Theatre, second floor faculty workroom and Friday, 9/11 from 9:00-10:30 am in the Ingram Hall conference room. Auburn’s Blue Cross Blue Shield plan covers the cost of the flu vaccination. A copy of your insurance card must be presented at the time of vaccination. Employees and dependents not covered under the plan will be charged $25 for the flu vaccine.
While this vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health state that the usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine early. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, a single seasonal flu vaccination is expected to provide protection against seasonal flu for the duration of the flu season (through spring 2010).
H1N1 flu
Vaccine for H1N1 flu is currently in production, but is not available at this time. The latest information from the state public health department indicates that the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in Alabama no earlier than mid October. The Auburn University Medical Clinic has placed a request for vaccine, but initial supply is expected to be limited and distribution will be handled by the state and local health departments. When available, the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine will be made available to students at the Auburn University Medical Clinic as well as mobile flu clinics on campus. Locations will be announced when vaccine is ready for distribution.
The CDC is currently recommending that the following groups receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it first becomes available: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people age 6 months through 24 years, and people age 25 through 64 years who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from influenza.
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
What is the university doing to minimize the spread of the flu on campus?
Auburn University has been strongly promoting hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, as recommended by CDC, since April 2009 when the H1N1 flu began to emerge in the United States. We have done so with placement of hand sanitizer stations in strategic locations across campus, including athletic venues and common gathering areas. We have also distributed several thousand ‘wellness kits’ to students containing hand sanitizer, tissues and tips for staying healthy and preventing the flu. Flyers are posted throughout campus buildings reminding our campus community to frequently wash their hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and minimize contact with others who are sick with the flu. We have also been communicating regularly with our campus community about the need to stay home if ill.
Starting in April 2009, we have modified our routine cleaning procedures to include more frequent disinfection of common areas and items such as restrooms, doorknobs, and public telephones.
Additionally, we are now offering temporary housing for on-campus residents who are ill and need to be separated from others. See below for more details on these accommodations.
What accommodations are being provided for on-campus students who are diagnosed with the flu?
Temporary housing is available at Extension for on-campus residents who are ill and need to be separated from others. This housing consists of two bedroom, one bathroom apartments located on the west side of campus. The units are furnished with necessary furnishings, but students who are temporarily reassigned to these units will need to bring their own bed and bath linens and any other essentials. A shower curtain and toilet paper are provided, and cable television and internet service are also available. Additionally, Tiger Dining is providing delivered meals for those who do not have a friend or family member to provide these.
On-campus residents who are ill and need to utilize temporary housing should notify their resident director or resident manager, who will make the necessary arrangements. Students will be monitored during their stay to ensure their basic needs are met. Additional security patrols are also monitoring the area while students are housed there.
Are plans in place to provide flu vaccination on campus?
According to the CDC, one of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. This year, two different flu vaccines are expected to be available, one for seasonal flu and one for H1N1 flu.
Seasonal flu
Seasonal flu vaccine is now available in the Auburn area, and flu vaccination clinics have been scheduled at the Auburn University Medical Clinic (see details above under Information for Students). Students have been notified through This Week @ AU, and will continue to be notified as other flu vaccination clinics are scheduled.
While this vaccine is not expected to protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health state that the usual seasonal influenza viruses are still expected to cause illness this fall and winter. Individuals are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccine early. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, a single seasonal flu vaccination is expected to provide protection against seasonal flu for the duration of the flu season (through spring 2010).
H1N1 flu
Vaccine for H1N1 flu is currently in production, but is not available at this time. The latest information from the state public health department indicates that the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available in Alabama no earlier than mid October. The Auburn University Medical Clinic has placed a request for vaccine, but initial supply is expected to be limited and distribution will be handled by the state and local health departments. When available, the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine will be made available to students at the Auburn University Medical Clinic as well as mobile flu clinics on campus. Locations will be announced when vaccine is ready for distribution.
The CDC is currently recommending that the following groups receive the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine when it first becomes available: pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, people age 6 months through 24 years, and people age 25 through 64 years who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for complications from influenza.
Will the university consider suspending classes? How will we be notified?
Auburn University is monitoring this situation closely, and is in regular contact with public health and medical professionals. We will rely heavily on the recommendations of these professionals in making critical decisions about campus operations. Given the current prevalence and severity of the flu, one of the main factors in evaluating the decision to suspend classes will be attendance and its impact on the university’s ability to fulfill its academic mission. Contingency plans are being reviewed and revised in case the severity and/or prevalence of the flu increases.
Additionally, professors and instructors are encouraged to utilize alternate teaching methods where possible to limit in-person contact as needed depending on the prevalence of the flu in their classes. Some classes, such as standard lectures, lend themselves to this more easily than others, such as lab sessions.
Any changes to the routine schedule of classes and/or events will be posted on the Auburn Web page at www.auburn.edu. Students, staff and faculty will be notified via Auburn Daily and This Week @ AU. AU ALERT may be utilized if there is a significant disruption to campus operations.
Has the university changed its cleaning procedures to address the flu?
Starting in April 2009, we have modified our routine cleaning procedures to include more frequent disinfection of common areas and items such as restrooms, doorknobs, and public telephones. The virucide used for cleaning is registered and approved for Type A influenza disinfection by the EPA.
My student has an underlying medical condition that puts him or her at higher risk for complications from the flu. What steps is Auburn University taking to address students with underlying medical conditions?
We are asking students with underlying medical conditions (such as immunosuppression) that may put them at higher risk for complications from the flu to register ahead of time with the Program for Students with Disabilities. This will assist us with making recommendations on special accommodations as needed depending on local flu prevalence and severity.
