University News
Confirmed Case of H1N1 of WIU-QC
October 22, 2009
MOLINE, IL -- Western Illinois University-Quad Cities has its first confirmed case and one probable case of H1N1 influenza on the Moline campus. According to Joe Rives, vice president of the Quad Cities, Planning and Technology, a WIU-QC student was diagnosed with a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, while another student has been clinically diagnosed as a probable case. The WIU-Macomb campus has had four probable cases, two of which are confirmed cases, reported since Oct. 14.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), students, faculty or staff who have the virus should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) for seven days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. For CDC recommendations for higher education institutions affected by H1N1, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/institutions.
Prevention is often the best medicine to avoid the virus, said Mary Margaret Harris, director of Western's Beu Health Center on the Macomb campus. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Tips to avoid the transmission of influenza include covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not hands; frequent handwashing; staying home when sick; and getting a flu shot.
Seasonal flu symptoms develop quickly; include fever and a sore throat and/or coughing, body aches, chills, and headache. Reported H1N1 symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and may also include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms of the common cold are generally much milder than the flu, develop more slowly, and usually do not include a fever.
"There is strong likelihood of additional cases among the campus community as this represents the first wave of probable H1N1 illness this fall. If you don't feel well, stay home and avoid contact with others," Harris stressed. "Consistent with CDC recommendations, individuals with the flu should stay home until free of a fever for 24 hours."
Per Western Illinois University policy, Quad Cities students who are ill and will miss class must contact the Office of Academic and Student Services (OASS) at (309) 762-9080. When faculty members receive notice from OASS that a student will miss class due to displaying flu-like symptoms or a possible H1N1 diagnosis, they will allow the student to make up any missed assignments and exams. Students will not be counted as absent if an attendance policy is in place for the class. Fear of not being able to make up class assignments should not deter students from staying home if exhibiting flu-like symptoms or receiving an H1N1 diagnosis.
Documentation of student illness may not be available as medical facilities may engage in "phone triage" or may not be able to supply documentation of H1N1 infection. For the period of the pandemic, the University must err on the side of caution should there be any question of the seriousness of a student's illness.
Employees who are ill with flu-like symptoms should contact their immediate supervisor. For more information related to H1N1, visit wiu.edu/pandemic.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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