Dear Students,
Throughout the summer, Canisius College has been preparing for the possibility of H1N1 flu outbreak on our campus. Our plan is based on the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control, the New York State Health Department, and the American College Health Association
The success of our plan depends on each member of our campus community working together to limit the spread of the virus through education, infection control, early self isolation and reporting. As men and women for others, you are charged with doing all you can to protect your own health, the health of those around you and offering care, support and assistance to those who become sick.
If you develop flu like illness which is a fever of 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) accompanied by cough and/or sore throat, body aches, chills, fatigue and in some cases diarrhea and vomiting, stay at home or in your apartments. Do not attend class, work, campus activities, community activities or have visitors. If you must leave your room/isolation area you should wear a facemask. You should also wear a facemask whenever anyone comes to assist you. Facemasks are available in the Office of Residence Life.
You should notify your faculty and campus officials of your illness and need for self isolation using the H1N1 Flu Reporting System located on the “current student” page of the college Web site or found at www.canisius.edu/flu. Student Health nurses will call you if have reported your illness on the H1N1 Flu Reporting System to check on your recovery.
Contact Student Health at 888-2610 or your private physician for medical recommendations. If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or are immunsuppressed or pregnant you are at higher risk for serious complications from flu. You need to contact your medical care provider as soon as symptoms develop for medical recommendations.
If you reside on campus, you should go home or make arrangements to stay with a friend or family member in the area to receive family care and treatment by your personal health care provider. You should not drive yourself home. Arrangements should be made to have someone pick you. If you are unable to go home due to distance and cannot make arrangements for self isolation off campus, contact the Office of Residence Life for additional recommendations.
You should remain at home until your fever is gone for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Once you recover and return to campus, continue to follow cough etiquette and hand hygiene.
I wish to reassure you that Canisius College is working hard to protect your health and safety on campus.
Sincerely,
Ellen O. Conley, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs