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 my child 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.  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 study abroad courses or mission trips?

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

6) What should my child do if they feel sick?

Students can seek care from their primary care physician.  They should call their health care provider before they go to their office.  Students can also utilize Student Health Services.  It is important that individuals with a cough and fever avoid contact with others until they are fever free for at least 24 hours.  Students living in the residence halls should communicate with their RAs if they are ill.  The Residence Life staff take certain precautions to separate well students from ill students.  Staff can also deliver meals to those who are ill.

5) Who should my child contact if they am diagnosed with H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

Students with suspected or confirmed cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) should report it to Student Health Services at 205-726-2835.  It is important that we have this information so that we can track the scope of the flu.  In addition, we must report this data to the Jefferson County Health Department.

6) Will my child be penalized if they miss class because they have the flu?

If students are ill and they cannot attend class, they should contact their instructors immediately.  Ill students should NOT attend class until after they are fever free for 24 hours.  Students need to keep in contact with their instructors to ensure they keep up with the necessary course requirements.

7) Should my child get a note from their doctor or from Student Health Services if they have 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.  If students are ill, they should email or call their instructors.