Parents and Students: Important Health Information about H1N1 from University Housing

Residence Hall Students,

In light of recent outbreaks of H1N1 flu illnesses at several colleges and universities it is important to review the following information about UNL's Residence Hall Policies. As you know, Vice Chancellor Franco sent you an e-mail message Thursday with links to new information and procedures for protecting yourself and others from contagious illnesses. As a follow-up, I want you to have this information specific to UNL Housing:

If a student becomes ill: University Housing is recommending that any student exhibiting flu-like symptoms go to his/her permanent home until becoming well, if he/she lives close enough to do so.

If a student leaves, he/she should contact the RA/CA and room/apartment mates and make them aware of his/her departure. If a student cannot go home, University Housing has implemented policies that can assist a student who is experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Self-isolation: The sick student should self-isolate in his/her room and remain away from other people until he/she no longer has a fever over 100 degrees or any sign of a fever (chills, feel warm, flushed appearance, sweating). Limit contact with others and try to maintain a distance of at least six feet from people. If close contact cannot be avoided or when leaving his/her room to use the bathroom, the student should wear a mask.

Masks: University Housing will supply a mask(s) at hall complex desks for the students who are ill.

"Sick meals": The sick student can request a meal be brought to his or her room. Accepted common practice is for a friend or roommate to fill out a "sick meal" form obtained at the hall complex desk. The form is then taken to the dining center where the checker will give a container to the friend or roommate to select food items to take back to the sick student.

Precautions: Within residence halls and dining centers, University Housing maintenance staff are taking extra precaution to disinfect high-touch areas, such as elevator buttons and hand railings in addition to daily cleaning and disinfecting of common areas, bathrooms and dining centers. Hand sanitizer is available at the entrance to all dining centers.

Information about H1N1 can be found on the UNL's emergency.unl.edu Web site. Visit http://emergency.unl.edu/h1n1flu/students/ for frequently asked questions specifically for UNL students. Please note the posters and signs in your halls regarding reducing the spread of infection. As future conditions may warrant, additional updated information may be sent to all residence hall students.

For the most up-to-date information on flu, visit www.flu.gov, or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

Sincerely,

Douglas S. Zatechka
Director, University Housing