INFLUENZA

Concerns about various flu virus rise and rumors spread each season. Greenville University wants to provide you as much information as possible about the plans in place to protect you from the flu virus.
The College begins preparing for flu season prior to students arriving and is ready with a preparedness plan based on guidelines provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

We are actively working to protect this community from the spread of the flu virus and thank you for supporting these efforts by following the suggestions below to stay healthy. If you have further questions, contact Student Development at 618.664.7119, Campus Safety at 618.664.7118 or check this site regularly for up to date information on campus news.


Personal Steps for Prevention

1. Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of viruses.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
  • Use the hand sanitizer station posted near the check in desk in the dining commons. Please use this every time you enter. It would also be helpful to use the one at the dish-tray return on the way out.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, to limit the spread of germs.
  • Regularly clean high touch surfaces with over the counter cleaning solutions.

2. Practice respiratory etiquette.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
  • If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.

3. Talk with your health care provider about seasonal flu vaccinations.

  • If you are at higher risk for flu complications you should consider getting a flu vaccine. People with higher risk include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes).
  • For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov
  • If you have trouble getting an appointment with a health care provider or need assistance setting up an appointment, please call 618.664.7121

4. Know the signs and symptoms of the flu.

  • A fever (at least 100° F or 38° C) and
  • Cough or sore throat.
  • Additional symptoms may include headache, fatigue, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash.

5. STAY HOME if you have the flu or a flu-like illness until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever.

  • Fever should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medication that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
  • Don't go to class or work.
  • Establish a "buddy" on campus who agrees to check on you if you do not show up for classes or activities and to bring you food and supplies if needed.


If You Are Sick With the Flu

  1. NOTIFY STUDENT DEVELOPMENT IMMEDIATELY by calling 618.664.7119 (employees should notify their department head)
  2. Stay at home or in your residence except to go see your health care provider.
  3. Go home until you are well. Students who live too far from home, please contact Student Development for alternate housing for rest and recovery.
  4. Avoid contact with others as much as possible.
  5. Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks and electrolyte beverages) to keep from becoming dehydrated.

Greenville University Prevention Efforts

  1. Campus wide information distribution
  2. Active participation in the Bond County Emergency Response meetings - Greenville representatives are attending Bond County Emergency Response meetings to discuss flu plans, next steps, and information dissemination for students, employees and families.
  3. Hygiene awareness posters placed around campus - Residence Life staff is educating students living in residence halls about good hygiene via posters and ongoing discussions.
  4. Point person collaborating with state public health officials - Greenville's Emergency Management Team is registered with the Illinois Board of Higher Education and Illinois Department of Public Health and has an established campus contact person in order to collaborate and coordinate with the state's ongoing information and vaccination activities.
  5. Website information kept up to date - We are constantly updating the greenville.edu website with the most up to date flu information. .
  6. Hand Sanitizers installed around campus - Facilities Management continues to add hand sanitizers to highly trafficked areas on campus, including the dining area, the athletics complex and the library.

 

Warning Signs for Urgent Medical Attention

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that if any warning signs are apparent, individuals should seek immediate emergency medical attention.


Sign up for the Greenville University Emergency Notification System.


In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish skin color (for fair tones) and grayish skin color (for darker tones)
  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • Not waking up or not interacting
  • Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  • Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  • Fever with a rash

 

International travelers should check travel advisories

Anyone who is planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories.

Please go to http://www.flu.gov for the further Influenza information.