1) What are the symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu) and how is it contracted?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. 

A full description of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) is available via the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) site "Swine Flu and You" at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm .

2) What is the actions I can take in order to prevent the spread of the flu?

A vaccine for H1N1 is not yet available.  The best steps you can take continue to be the following:

·         Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze

·         If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow

·         Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (or alcohol-based sanitizer)

·         Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth

·         Stay home from school or work when sick

3) Though an H1N1 vaccine does not yet exist, will Samford provide seasonal flu vaccines this year?

To assist in our efforts of fighting seasonal flu, we are encouraging individuals to get a flu shot. 

For those employees who participate in the Samford Blue-Cross Blue-Shield coverage:  If you go to your doctor’s office (assuming he/she is a BCBS network provider), the injection must be administered by a registered nurse; however, if you see your primary physician, you will pay the $25 co-pay. Most offices will let you come in to see the nurse to receive the flu shot. If you are seeing your physician for other reasons and receive a flu shot, the flu shot would be covered but you will still pay the $25 co-pay.  For additional questions about Samford’s BCBS coverage as it relates to flu shots, please contact Amy Key in Human Resources at 205-726-2469.

For those not covered by Blue-Cross Blue-Shield: Please check with your health insurance provider to understand coverage and co-pay information that applies to you. 

For those individuals looking for convenience and willing to pay a charge for a flu shot: Samford will be utilizing an outside firm to come on campus and administer flu shots on September 28-30.  This will be available to employees and students.  In the days to come, we will send out additional information about designated times. 

 4) How will Samford keep me informed about the steps the university is taking?

Updates will be posted at the Samford H1N1 (Swine Flu) page, which is a part of the Public Safety and Emergency Management website.  You may also subscribe to the Samford H1N1 (Swine Flu) RSS feed to receive updates in the RSS reader of your choice.  

 5) Will Samford cancel scheduled travel for faculty and staff?

The university is monitoring federal travel advisories and will communicate any changes to official travel plans.

 6) What should I do if I feel sick?

You can seek care from your primary care physician.  Call your health care provider before you go to their office.  Employees

7) Can employees go to Student Health Services (SHS) to receive care if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms?

Classes have begun and our students are also visiting SHS with the usual array of issues, injuries, and other illnesses that are part of college life.  This coupled with additional headcount seeking advice for the flu has put a strain on the number of individuals they can see.  To assist their efforts on focusing on student needs, we ask that, for the time being, employees call their physicians so that SHS can focus on our students who needing care.

8) Who should I contact if I am diagnosed with H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

Employees who miss work due to flu-like symptoms (either suspected or confirmed cases of H1N1) should report cases to Polly McKay in Human resources (ptmckay@samford.edu or 205-726-2347. 

9) If I am a faculty member, should I require students to get a doctor’s note if they miss class due to the flu?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is asking that universities not make students obtain notes from doctors in the event they are ill with the flu.  This puts a strain on health care professionals as they try and write notes for students to take to class.  Faculty members should show flexibility during this unusual time.

10) Where can I get Blackboard training in the event I need to use it to continue my class?

Faculty members can take advantage of several training sessions being offered on Blackboard:

• Getting Started with Blackboard
• August 27 3:00-4:30
• September 2 2:30-4:00

• Posting and Retrieving Student Assignments on Blackboard
• September 9 2:30-4:00
• September 15 3:00-4:30

Contact Please contact Caroline Gowins to register.

Online resources are also available at: (Downloadable simple directions).