H1N1 Flu Information

Below are some common questions that may arise for faculty and staff as we progress through the current flu season and address H1N1.  Consult your supervisor if you have further questions.

Can I come to work ill or if I am exhibiting flu like symptoms?

All department directors and deans will be monitoring the faculty and staff members that work under their direction.  If your supervisor sees that you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, the supervisor may require you to go home.  If you have H1N1, or have been diagnosed with the flu, the latest guidelines that the university has from the CDC indicate that the flu requires a minimum of seven (7) days to run its course.  After seven (7) days, you then must be free of fever or signs of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications for twenty-four (24) hours.  After the longer of seven (7) days or when you have been free of fever for twenty-four (24) hours, you may then return to work.

Should I let my supervisor know if my doctor tells me that I have H1N1?

If your doctor diagnoses you with H1N1, or he is not sure but decides to treat you for this illness anyway, please call your supervisor and tell them that you are being treated for H1N1.

What if I have to be off with the flu?

Faculty will work with their department chair or dean to cover teaching and related responsibilities.   Staff will utilize their accrued sick leave.  If the illness lasts longer than the accrued sick leave available, accrued vacation time will then be used to cover the absence.

If my child’s school or day care closes due to an influenza outbreak, can I bring them to work with me?

Your child or other dependents may not be brought to work even if they do not have symptoms of the flu.  You should work through your supervisor to arrange for leave. 

What if a student in my class or a student worker in my office appears to have flu-like symptoms?

Faculty who observe students with flu-like symptoms attending class can require that the student not return to the class until the illness is gone.  Staff may do the same for student workers in their office area.  In either situation, the student should be reported to Bonnie Jones in the Office of Student Affairs.

Preventative measures for dealing with H1N1 are explained on the ETBU Flu web page.  There is also an additional link on the ETBU Flu web page to the federal government website (www.flu.gov) which further explains preventative measures and other health resources.

If parents of resident or commuter students have questions concerning H1N1, they should be referred to the university website or the Office of Student Affairs at (903) 923-2320.

Please keep your immediate supervisor informed if you are absent.  Tiger Daily may have additional information from time to time concerning the status of H1N1 on our campus.