Swine Flu Info

Recent Updates

H1N1 Vaccines No Longer Available on Campus for Faculty & Staff

Date: 11/13/2009 Columbia College Chicago is unable to offer further H1N1 vaccination clinics to faculty and staff. If you already have an appointment with the CARE ATC clinic for a vaccination, however, please keep that appointment. Click for additional resources.

Is It H1N1 Flu? Take the CDC's Self-Assessment

Date: 10/9/2009 Are you or a loved one sick and worried you might have H1N1 Flu? The Centers for Disease Control have developed an H1N1 Flu Self-Evaluation to help you better understand the flu symptoms and make good decisions about your own health. Take the step-by-step H1N1 Flu Assessment now.

Faculty + Staff Attendance Policy for Flu Season

Date: 9/30/2009 The college’s faculty and staff attendance policy has been modified to stress the importance of preventing the spread of the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses by staying home if you have flu-like symptoms. Please note that this is intended to provide interim guidance and is subject to change as additional information becomes available.

Where to Get Your Seasonal Flu Vaccine Near Campus

Date: 9/16/2009 The CDC encourages everyone to get the seasonal flu vaccine this year. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to visit your physician or pharmacy to get your shot immediately. There are several pharmacies near Columbia College Chicago offering the vaccine.

Flu Vaccination Availability on Campus

Date: 9/14/2009 The Student Health Center and CARE ATC faculty/staff clinic are working to determine the availability of both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccines, and will share information as it becomes available. At this time, students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to seek seasonal flu inoculation from their personal physicians or neighborhood pharmacies.

H1N1 Flu Information

Columbia College Chicago has prepared this site to convey information to students, faculty, staff, parents, and others about our plans and preparations for dealing with influenza, including the novel influenza A, or H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

Updates

This site will be updated with new information in the column to the left as necessary. At this time, Columbia College is operating as usual. Links to additional resources may be found at the bottom of this page.

Columbia College Chicago is following guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Cook County Health Department to prevent the spread of flu, monitor flu conditions, and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution.

Prevention

Here are a few steps you can take to help prevent the spread of flu:
• Get a seasonal flu shot, and an H1N1 vaccine when available.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as this spreads germs.

What to Do if You Think You Have the Flu

• If you experience flu-like symptoms, call your primary healthcare provider; students should call Student Health Services at 312.369.6830.
• Limit contact with others if you are sick and stay home from school or work.
• The CDC recommends that those who are at high risk for flu complications who become ill with flu-like symptoms speak with their healthcare providers as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of treatment with antiviral medications.

Additional Steps

• Students living at home should remain at home, following the CDC guidelines for recovery.
• For students living in residence halls, we anticipate using the following protocols:

• Students living in the Midwest will be encouraged to return home to continue their recovery. Whenever possible, students returning home to recover should travel by private vehicle rather than public transportation.
• Students and family members living outside a driving distance from the college should make arrangements with someone who is in commutable distance in anticipation of the need for assistance in picking up students should they become ill.
• In the event that students are not able to make arrangements, the college will work to isolate those students during their recovery period. Residence Life may ask students to vacate their current spaces in order to isolate those who are ill.

Additional Resources

For students
For parents
Centers for Disease Control flu information 1-800-CDC-INFO
U.S. Government flu information