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H1N1: Information and Flu Reporting Form

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We have all heard that the H1N1 virus has the potential to infect a significant number in the U-M community this fall, and this will be on top of the seasonal flu. The University prepared throughout the summer to address what public health officials expect to be an increase in the number of cases this fall as students return to classes at U-M and across the country. While not more virulent than the seasonal flu, we might see significantly more cases of flu and more significant health effects for at-risk individuals than we are used to.

Under the most likely scenario, the term will continue as normal. Of course, university experts in influenza will continue to collaborate with local, state and federal health officials and be prepared to follow any new recommendations. There are some important things to keep in mind, however, should you become ill.

How to Stay Healthy

Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, manage your stress and eat nutritious foods;
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way;
Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza can spread when infected people cough or sneeze;
Get a flu shot. The H1N1 vaccine will be available later this fall, but the seasonal flu vaccine is available now.

Flu Symptoms

A fever of 100.4 F or greater, plus a cough or sore throat
Possibly other symptoms, including a runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, vomiting or diarrhea.

If You Become Ill...

Stay home. That’s the advice for students, faculty and staff who become ill with the flu.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;
If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with the crook of your elbow;
Rest and take plenty of fluids;
Use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others;
Contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical exam is necessary;
Inform family and friends about your illness and limit contact with other people to keep from infecting them;
Inform ALL your instructors if you become ill and need to miss class;
More advice from the U-M site.

Those who get the flu should stay home until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-lowering medication.

More flu questions are answered on the U-M H1N1 FAQ page.

Flu Reporting

We would like to collect voluntary information on how many students experience flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) this season. Please complete this survey to let us know if you become ill.

The survey will be used to help us determine the flu's impact and necessary arrangements for Kinesiology classes. It may also be used for future data analysis about H1N1.

This form does NOT replace your responsibility to notify ALL your instructors should you become ill and need to miss class.

Additional Steps For Students:

Identify another student at the start of term who can take notes for you, should you become sick and miss class.

Students are responsible for:

Notifying ALL your instructors should you become ill;
Making up all the work in the class:

If you miss deadlines or exams because you are ill, you should be given penalty-free ways to make up work;
It is your responsibility to work with your instructors in determining appropriate ways to make up work.

Be aware that the Provost’s office has indicated that current policies and procedures regarding dropping classes will NOT be changed.

Contact your academic advisors for information on drop/add deadlines (dropping classes can have many unexpected effects and costs, and is not an automatic);
If you have concerns regarding your academic situation, you should contact your academic advisors;
If you have other serious concerns or are in need of additional assistance, please contact Shelly Kovacs in the Office of Student Services (skovacs@umich.edu or 734 647-2696). Alternatively, you may contact the Dean of Students office (734 764-7420).

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