Flu Preparedness Information for CMC Staff
September 14, 2009
Claremont McKenna College is preparing for a more-active flu season. It is important to know that the College, along with The Claremont University Consortium (CUC), has preparedness plans in place to guard the health of our students, faculty, and staff. Attached is an informational brochure from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Prevention and keeping healthy are the best tools for fighting the transmission of the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus.
Prevention:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not readily available, do the “dracula” sneeze into your elbow so that germs do not touch your hands.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Use hand sanitizer after making contact with high-touch areas (copy machines, fax machines, computer equipment in the classroom, etc.).
- Try to avoid close contact with sick individuals. The CDC recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet from individuals displaying flu-like symptoms.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- If you are sick or become ill limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
It is important to keep your work current in case you become ill and are unable to work. If you develop flu-like symptoms, please contact your supervisor immediately to discuss your next steps. If your primary-care physician confirms that you have the flu, please plan to stay home until 24 hours AFTER your fever has broken.
Flu-like symptoms include:
- High Fever
- Cough
- Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Sore Throat
- Body Aches
- Headache
- Chills and Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If you experience severe symptoms or are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical assistance immediately. Emergency warning signs include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and worse cough.
The CUC Student Health Services will offer flu shots by appointment beginning October 21 and will host a flu clinic on campus October 29. Please note that because of anticipated high demand for the vaccine, students are the priority group for appointments through Student Health Services and for the on-campus flu clinic at this time. Staff and faculty should contact their primary-care provider or participate in local flu clinics offered through the City of Claremont and pharmacies. All students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to receive a seasonal flu shot.
If you have questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at x18490 or hr@claremontmckenna.edu. Updates and general information also will be posted on the CMC Flu Season Information web site.
