Flu Update

Asbury’s student body has experienced only sporadic cases of influenza-like illness which has not affected the University’s day-to-day operation, since most reported cases have been relatively mild. The University continues to take appropriate steps toward sanitizing Campus facilities and educating our students, staff, and faculty in how to prevent and treat influenza.

Asbury University’s Health Service staff and University Administration have been following protocols and guidelines developed by the CDC and in conjunction with the local County Health Department.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nationally “almost all” current cases of the country’s influenza are H1N1. The Health Service is treating all suspected influenza cases similarly and most of the students have recovered quickly and returned to class within a few days.  In addition to recommended medical procedures, treatment also includes the following:

• Isolation and appropriate care for affected students
• Recuperation at home for students who live nearby
• Notification of faculty concerning student class & chapel absences

This Fall we have doubled our efforts to encourage our Campus Community to practice preventative hygiene, including:

• Frequent and correct hand washing
• Coughing into a sleeve rather than a hand, or
• Covering coughs with tissues and immediately disposing of them
• Using the multiple hand sanitizers available across campus
• Avoiding touching the mouth, nose or eyes (where germs can easily enter the body!)
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Contacting Health Services if flu-like symptoms arise

For more information and materials on the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses this season, please visit www.flu.gov. You may also contact Health Services at health.services@asbury.edu.