Campus Messages Regarding H1N1 (Swine Flu) H1N1 flu update message for faculty, staff, and administrators Dear Loyola faculty, staff, and administrators: Loyola, like other colleges and universities nationwide, is closely monitoring developments surrounding H1N1 influenza, a virus expected to have a significant impact on campuses throughout the country this fall. As of the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 8, a number of Loyola students had sought medical attention for flu-like symptoms. Five have been confirmed as having H1N1, while others have had colds or other illnesses. All students with H1N1 have recovered or are recovering well. A task force comprising representatives has also reviewed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s H1N1 guidance for institutions of higher education. As a result, the following CDC-recommended changes to Loyola’s sick leave policies take effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice. Faculty, administrators, and staff with flu-like symptoms are encouraged to stay at home or at a friend’s or family member’s home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicines. If any faculty, administrators, or staff contract a flu-like illness you are also asked to advise the human resources office at ext. 2354, so we can monitor the containment of the H1N1 situation at Loyola. Employees may use their sick or vacation leave to care for their spouse or dependent children if a spouse or child develops flu-like symptoms. Sick and vacation leave may also be used to care for your child if his or her childcare setting or school is closed because of H1N1. Telecommuting may also be an option in some work areas, subject to the supervisor’s, department chair’s, or dean’s approval. Deans, department chairs, and supervisors are asked not to require a doctor’s note to validate illness for sick leave or for authorization to return to work, as doctor’s offices and medical facilities may be extremely busy and may not be able to provide such documentation in a timely manner. Deans, department chairs, and supervisors should consult with the employee relations unit of the human resources office at ext. 1345 before counseling or disciplining an employee about attendance. Individuals who are at higher risk of complications from the H1N1 flu if they get sick are:
Faculty, administrators, and staff who are at higher risk for flu complications should consult with their health care provider, even if they are not yet symptomatic. If you are in a higher-risk category and become ill with flu-like illness, please contact your health care provider as soon as possible. If you do not have any sick, personal, or vacation leave, and this would prohibit you from being able to stay home to care for a family member or to care for yourself, please contact the benefits unit of the human resources office at ext. 1366 to make limited special paid leave arrangements. Things you can do to reduce the risk of catching and spreading H1N1 are:
Employees are also able to receive seasonal flu shots at Loyola. Seasonal flu clinics will take place:
Shots are $25 by cash, check, or Evergreen. Your efforts to keep yourself and the community safe are an essential part of managing this challenge. If you have any questions about these policies and recommendations, please contact the office of human resources at extension 2354. Please monitor Inside Loyola for further announcements and updates. |
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