A Special Message to Parents
We appreciate this opportunity to share information with you regarding Washington University’s plans to address the spread of H1N1 flu.
The University’s Emerging Infectious Disease Task Force has developed detailed policies and procedures in response to this public health concern. Representatives from our School of Medicine have been an integral part of these planning efforts.
If your son or daughter is experiencing flu-like symptoms, encourage them to visit the Student Health Center. Emphasize the importance of your student following the advice of their professional health care provider. Under the leadership of Dr. Alan Glass, we have been preparing for the past several months for the likelihood of this flu. Once the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, we will make it available to our students in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control.
Students who are diagnosed with the flu will be asked to self-isolate. What this means is that they will be asked to stay in their living space and minimize contact with others until they are symptom and fever free for 24 hours without medication. They will be provided with a mask to wear if they must leave their room.
We believe that it is best for students who are ill to remain in their day-to-day living environment rather than asking them to move when they are not feeling well. Roommates or suitemates who may be concerned about their own health are being given the opportunity to relocate to other, temporary University housing. Any such relocations are voluntary.
They will be encouraged to have a friend or roommate obtain food for them. If necessary, our Dining Services will deliver food to students who live on campus.
We have worked hard to communicate with those in our community the importance of good hygiene to minimize the spread of illness. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed in residence halls, dining facilities and academic buildings throughout the campus. Remind your student of good health etiquette: wash hands frequently, cover coughs or sneezes etc.
We realize that especially for those families who live far from St. Louis, having a sick child away from home can be particularly stressful. Rest assured that we have one of the top student health programs in the country, and we will provide your child with the best medical care if they become sick. If you have questions, please call us.
