Communication Associate: Public Relations | Lori Melton | lmelton@d.umn.edu | (218) 726-8830
January 17, 2013 Mike Seymour | Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations | 218 726-6282 | mseymour@d.umn.edu
Andrea Schokker | Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs | 218 726-7103 |aschokke@d.umn.edu
Gina Katzmark | Director of External Affairs | 218 726-6141 | katzmark@d.umn.edu
Cheryl Reitan | Associate Director of External Affairs | 218 726-8996 | creitan@d.umn.edu
UMD Informs Students of Influenza Precautions
DULUTH, MN — UMD sent a notice to all UMD students on January 16 listing suggested precautions for students to take as classes resume on January 22, 2013. Students are encouraged to get a flu shot if they haven't had one recently. The letter provides information on free flu shot availability, how long to stay away from classes if students do have flu symptoms, and what to do to make up and keep up with course work. The letter was signed by the three UMD vice-chancellors: Dr. Andrea Schokker, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs; Dr. Lisa Erwin, Vice Chancellor for Student Life; and Mike Seymour, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Operations.
Flu signs and symptoms usually include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The text of the letter is included below.
"As you probably know, we are in the midst of the flu season in Minnesota, with reports of serious cases around the state. We're writing to you with some suggestions for the beginning of the spring 2013 semester.
1) If you have not had the flu shot, please consider one before you return to campus. The flu vaccine is your very best defense against contracting the influenza.
2) If you're not able to get a flu shot before you come back, consider getting the flu shot at the next opportunity on campus - Wednesday, January 30, from 10 am to 2 pm in the Kirby Lounge. Flu shots are free to students, so be sure to bring your UCard.
3) Once classes are back in session, we are asking students to do the following if you contract the flu. * Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms and do not return to class until you are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
* Report your illness to UMD Health Services at 726-8155. Seek medical help (UMD Health Services or your own physician) if your symptoms are severe or if you are in a high-risk group.
* Contact your instructors by e-mail and ask how to make up missed classes, assignments, exams, etc. Monitor the remote communication tools that your instructors have adopted (e.g. e-mail, course management systems such as Web Vista and Moodle, web-based materials, etc). Contact other students in your classes and study groups to stay informed.
* You are not required to present a doctor's note if you miss class due to flu-like symptoms.
4) Please continue to practice good hygiene practices to protect yourself, your family and your friends.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your sleeve.
* Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
* Clean used surfaces frequently with disinfectant.
5) Visit UMD's website for additional information and updates as they are available. The UMD Health Services (http://www.d.umn.edu/hlthserv/) website is a good resource, as is the UMD Emergency Preparedness (http://www.d.umn.edu/emergency/) page.
Please contact Health Services if you have any questions about the information in this email.
Wishing you a healthy start to the spring semester"
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