If you have been diagnosed with possible influenza, the following reminders may be helpful to you. You may experience fever, sore throat, cough, headache and body aches.  Your symptoms may last for 5-7 days, but most people recover quickly with rest and proper self care strategies.  It is important to keep your temperature down and drink fluids to remain well hydrated.  Please check your temperature every 4-6 hours, and take Tylenol or Advil, as directed, if your temperature is above 100æF.  You may use other over the counter medications such as cough syrup and throat lozenges to help with other symptoms. 

You should not attend class and you should remain in your room as much possible until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Advil. 

Email your professors.  You will not need a physician’s note or a note from the undergraduate dean’s office for missed classes, but you must inform your instructors that you are ill and will not be in class.  Many faculty members have put course work on Blackboard, and they should be prepared to help you with plans for making up missed classes and assignments.  

Avoid close personal contact with others.  Choose a “Flu Buddy” by arranging with a friend or roommate to assist you with errands or obtaining food and supplies.  Your GWorld Colonial Cash card provides you with convenient and easy access to food, beverage, and sundries when you are feeling under the weather.  Dining information is available on the University’s Campus Advisory web site at http://campusadvisories.gwu.edu and on the Living at GW website at http://living.gwu.edu.  Use a mask to protect your roommates and when you venture into public space beyond your room.  If you live on campus and you need additional support beyond a flu buddy or GWorld, you may call or contact a Housing Program staff member in your building for assistance. 

Your medical information is confidential so we are asking you to inform your roommates and other close contacts about your illness.  In most situations they do not need to seek medical care or contact Student Health unless they develop flu symptoms.  If, however, any of them is pregnant or have serious medical problems such as diabetes or severe asthma they should seek medical care.   Students can call Student Health Service at 202-994-6827 for consultation or contact their private health care provider.

REMEMBER

Maintain social distance by keeping at least 6 feet away from others
Cover your cough
Sneeze into your sleeve
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use alcohol based sanitizer
Don’t share food or drinks
Don’t share computers, cell phones, or remote controls
Wear a mask when you have to move about or come in close contact with others
Please contact Student Health for follow-up if symptoms worsen or are not resolved after 7 days

Emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

If you experience any of these additional symptoms call your doctor or Student Health Service immediately at 202-994-6827.  On evenings and weekends you should go to the Emergency Room of a hospital or contact EMERG through University Police at 202-994-6111.

For more information or FAQ’s go to http://campusadvisories.gwu.edu/viewarchived.cfm?id=421