Preventing spread of flu on campus

Members of the university community are asked to monitor their health and follow basic hygiene guidelines due to incidences of flu affecting numerous people in Western New York.

Susan Snyder, director of Student Health Services, said The flu is not just a really bad cold, it's a contagious illness that affects the nose, throat, lungs and other parts of the body.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. If you have a fever, cough, fatigue or body aches, you may have the flu.

You should seek medical care immediately if you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, or if flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

Students with severe symptoms should contact Student Health Services at 716- 829-3316 or their family health care providers.  Do not walk into the Student Health Services office for care; this will help prevent the spread of flu. UB employees should contact their health care providers.

In addition to getting vaccinated, members of the UB community are reminded to follow these basic guidelines to stop the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Do not share personal items, do not share food or drink or eating utensils, do not prepare food for others if you are ill, avoid those who are sick and wash surfaces in your work space, including keyboards and telephones.

Students who are sick are asked to stay away from class and public spaces until they are feeling better and to contact their professors to make accommodations to complete coursework.  Employees who are sick should stay home and contact their supervisors.  

More information is available here http://www.buffalo.edu/flushots