Flu Preparedness Information for CMC Students

September 11, 2009

Claremont McKenna College is preparing for a more-active flu season. It is important to know that the College, along with The Claremont University Consortium (CUC), has preparedness plans in place to guard the health of our students, faculty, and staff. Attached is an informational brochure from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for your review.

Prevention and keeping healthy are the best tools for fighting the transmission of the seasonal flu and the H₁N₁ virus.

Prevention:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not readily available, do the “dracula” sneeze into your elbow so that germs do not touch your hands.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Use hand sanitizer after making contact with high-touch areas (copy machines, fax machines, computer equipment in the classroom, etc.).
Try to avoid close contact with sick individuals. The CDC recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet from individuals displaying flu-like symptoms.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you are sick or become ill limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

If you experience symptoms, please contact the College at x70960 (909-607-0960) or by e-mail at notify@cmc.econtingency.com. You should then seek medical care at CUC Student Health Services (909-621-8222) or from your primary-care provider.

If you are confirmed to have the flu, please contact the Dean of Students Office at x18114. The staff will assist you in providing care and making arrangements for your class work. It is important to limit your exposure to others on campus to minimize the spread of the illness. You should not travel or leave your residence—except for medical care and to obtain medical supplies—until 24 hours AFTER your fever has broken.

Flu-like symptoms include:

High Fever
Cough
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Sore Throat
Body Aches
Headache
Chills and Fatigue
Vomiting
Diarrhea

If you experience severe symptoms or are at high risk for flu complications, seek medical assistance immediately. Emergency warning signs include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen; sudden dizziness; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; or flu-like symptoms that improve but return with fever and worse cough.

Flu shots will be available through The CUC Student Health Services by appointment beginning October 21. The cost is $20. A flu clinic will be held on the CMC campus Thursday, October 29 at Collins Dining Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. All students are encouraged to receive a seasonal flu shot. A H₁N₁ vaccine is scheduled to be released later this year. More information about this vaccine will be available from the Student Health Services at a later date.

If you have questions, please contact the Dean of Students Office at x18114. Updates and general information also will be posted on the CMC Flu Season Information web site.