Dear Faculty and Staff,
As you may remember, Georgia
Tech reported several cases of novel H1N1 influenza (“swine flu”) within its
population during the summer semester. While the vast majority of these cases
were mild, many public health experts predict infections to become more
widespread, with a vaccine unlikely to be available for months.
Georgia Tech anticipated that the
start of fall semester would bring an increased incidence of flu. In fact, the
number of students with influenza is unusually high for this time of year, with
more than 20 cases reported this week. Institute
officials, including experts on infectious disease, have been meeting regularly
throughout the summer to coordinate plans for minimizing the spread of
infection, caring for those who get sick, and maintaining safe campus
operations.
What
can you do? First
and foremost, help prevent the spread of the flu virus by
practicing healthy behaviors:
- Wash your hands regularly in hot water for at least 20 seconds
- Use the hand sanitizer located in public restrooms throughout campus
- Cover your cough
We
are encouraging faculty members to be flexible with regard to class attendance
if students give notification that they are experiencing flu or flu-like
symptoms. In fact, should the flu incidence increase, faculty will be asked to
utilize T-Square and other online resources to make notes and assignments
available to students unable to attend class.
Anyone who develops flu-like
symptoms is urged to stay home and seek guidance from a physician. Symptoms
typically include fever (100°F or higher) along with any of the following:
cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, muscle aches, headache, chills, fatigue,
diarrhea or vomiting. Individuals displaying such symptoms are encouraged to
isolate themselves and avoid unnecessary contact with others until 24 hours
after the fever subsides.
The health and safety of our
campus community is our utmost concern. Please be assured that we will continue
to work with local and state public health officials in monitoring and
responding to this virus, and we will inform you if additional activities or
actions are necessary.
Gary Schuster
Provost and Executive Vice
President for Academic Affairs
Jonathan Baker
Director, Stamps Health
Services