Instructions to Students with influenza-type illness (“flu”)

There is a worldwide epidemic of a new flu virus, formerly known as the “swine flu”, now officially known as the “novel H1N1 influenza virus”.  The illness is not usually severe, unless the patient has an ongoing health problem that decreases their immunity, such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, aids; are on immunosuppressive medication for a chronic illness such as kidney disease, are a recipient of an organ transplant, or have sickle cell anemia, liver disease, are pregnant, or are on long term daily aspirin treatment.

You have been diagnosed by a SHS physician as having an influenza-like illness.  You have been given a mask to wear when you are around people, and are likely to be closer than six feet to them, for a period of time.  You do not need to wear the mask when no one is around you.

You need to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for about 20 seconds, then rinse and dry, to lower the chances of passing on the flu virus infection to others.

You need to take the medication and fluids recommended for you and avoid any over the counter medications containing aspirin.

You have been instructed to stay in your room and NOT attend classes until you have no fever for 24 hours.  This rule is to protect others from catching the flu virus from you, while you are infected.

Most persons recover from the flu within seven days, with no difficulty, other than the symptoms you probably have right now:  fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, possibly nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

We have instructed you to contact the Health Service at 845-257-3400 if you develop worsening cough, fever, or vomiting.  If any of these symptoms occur we will re-examine you to determine whether you have developed a complication of the flu, like pneumonia, which is a bacterial lung infection requiring treatment with antibiotics.

Please show this Advisory to your room-mate(s) and close contacts (people you spend a lot of time with daily and friends with whom you share close physical contact). These individuals need to contact us immediately if they have any of the ongoing health conditions listed above, because it may be best for us to prescribe antiviral medication to prevent them from getting this flu.  The medication will only be effective if given in the very early stage of the illness, preferably before the onset of any symptoms.

To lower their chance of infection, your room-mates and other close contacts should also wash their hands frequently and avoid sharing any food, drink, eating utensils, cups, glasses, cigarettes, razors, or towels with you. 

Thank you for your attention to these important recommendations.