With CDC predictions that the current flu season may be one of the worst in recent memory, Meredith College has taken precautions to help limit the flu impact on campus.

 

Experts say getting a flu shot is the best way to avoid getting the flu. Beginning in the fall semester, Meredith College held five flu vaccine clinics, vaccinating a total of 473 students, faculty and staff members. The Health Center sponsored the clinics.

 

In addition to getting a flu shot, Health Services Director Sherri Henderson suggests the following ways to avoid the flu.

• Sanitize your hands often with Purel or an alcohol-based product or wash hands for 20 seconds with soap.
• Wipe down shared work or household objects such as telephones, keyboards, computer mice, and TV and stereo remote controls with Lysol.
• Avoid people who are coughing.
• Get some fresh air when possible.

If you are sick:

• If you are sick with the flu, stay home in bed, rest and avoid contact with others. Working or attending school will just get other people infected and prolong your illness.
• Call your doctor if you have had a flu shot, but get sick anyway. Additional medications will make the illness easier and milder.

Meredith’s Incident Management Team, led by Dean of Students Ann Gleason, has put together a plan to minimize the impact of the flu on campus. Meredith’s Carroll Health Center will notify the Dean of Students office of any students who are diagnosed with an influenza-like virus. These students will be asked to self-isolate at home if possible. Students who cannot return home will be provided with an isolation room on campus.

 

Guidelines for students with the flu include isolating until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol or Motrin), staying  in daily communication with professors and the Dean of Students so the College knows how they are doing and when they expect to return. Students are also asked to be evaluated at the Health Center before returning to class.

 

For more information on Meredith College’s flu season preventive measures, contact Sherri Henderson, director of health services, at ext. 8535. For more, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

In this Issue:

International Affairs Scholar Anne-Marie Slaughter to Deliver 2013 Commencement Address

Meredith College Takes Flu Threat Seriously

Thank You for Your Gifts to Meredith College!

Athletics Update: Meredith Hosts Soccer Camp, Tennis Opens 2013 Season

Faculty/Staff Accomplishments

Upcoming Events

News Briefs

 

Have you presented research or attended a professional meeting recently? Has your department earned an award? Share news of these accomplishments and more with the Meredith community. Faculty and staff are invited to email items to Melyssa Allen, “Campus Connections” editor, at allenme@meredith.edu.