Newark-Rutgers Office of Housing and Residential Life

H1N1 FLU INSTRUCTIONS FOR RESIDENT STUDENTS

Preventing the flu:

As soon as possible, get a regular seasonal flu shot, and be sure to also get an H1N1 flu shot when available.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer, dispensers are available in most campus buildings and the lobbies of all residence halls.

Sneeze or cough into tissues or clothing. Keep tissues handy, and dispose after using.

Eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and get plenty of rest.

Avoid contact with those who are sick.

Use anti-bacterial wipes to clean surfaces, especially door handles, sink, vanity and bathroom areas on a regular basis.

Preparing for the flu:

If you live within 100 miles of campus, have a plan to get home that does not involve public transportation in case you were to become ill and need to go home.

Keep on hand a supply of materials to help you weather the flu if you become sick, include tissues, anti-bacterial wipes, sanitizer lotion, and over the counter pain medication for cold and flu.

Keep on hand some non-perishable food items that could last you several days, such as soup, crackers, cereal, etc… Be sure that you also have plenty of liquids such as water or juice to drink.

If you live more that 100 miles away or know for certain that you will not be able to travel home if you become sick, make arrangements to have a “buddy” that can help by picking up meals or any other items you might need while you are sick. It is a good idea to have a couple of different “buddies” in this situation, just in case one of your “buddies” also becomes ill.

Housing is providing this small emergency kit to each suite or apartment which includes a one-time-use thermometer (one per resident) for checking your temperature and surgical masks that may be worn to reduce chance of infecting others if you are sick, or becoming sick if you are living with or helping out a sick friend. Please keep this is a secure and dry location. Keep the bag sealed and be sure to wash hands before and after opening the bag to remove items.

If you feel sick or think you might have the flu:

Check your temperature to see if you have a fever. Use one of the one-time-use thermometers from the emergency kit.

Avoid close contact with others.

Contact Health Services by phone (973-353-5231) let them know your symptoms and follow their instructions. If it is at night or over the weekend, you may also call the emergency nurse help line for assistance (1-866-221-9674).

If it seems likely that you have the flu and you live within 100 miles from campus, go home to recuperate.

Whether you go home or are staying, contact your RA by phone, email, or text and let them know your status. If you cannot reach your RA, contact the Housing Office at 973-353-1037.

If you have the flu and you are not able to travel home:

Stay in your room, in bed. Avoid contact with others. Follow Health Services or personal Doctor’s care instructions.

Make arrangements with your “flu buddy” to pick up meals, medicine, or anything you need for you, so that you do not have to leave your room.

TAKE OUT MEALS: If you wish to utilize take-out meals from Stonsby, you may let your flu buddy take your RUID to pick up meal buddy cards for you from the Area Director’s Office. The cards must be picked up during regular business hours or during evening RA duty hours. Once the card is completed with your name and RUID #, it can be presented at Stonsby Cafeteria to pick up a take-out meal. Please note, that you will be charged for any take-out meals received. If you already have a meal plan, you will be charged one meal or declining balance dollars, if you do not have a meal plan a per meal service charge will be charged to your student account.

Please Note: If you do not have a “flu buddy” and need assistance with receiving a meal, contact the Housing Office or the RA on duty through your building Security Desk and we will endeavor to assist you.

Woodward Security: 973-353-1360

Talbott Security: 973-353-1070

U-Square Security: 973-353-1093

Be sure that Housing has your cell phone number so that Residence Life Staff may do periodic phone checks with you to make sure you are ok.

ROOMMATES of sick individuals that cannot leave:

Avoid direct contact with your sick roommate unless they are wearing a surgical mask. Centers for Disease Control recommends maintaining safe distance of at least six feet from infected individual.

Wash your hands often, and keep all surfaces that your roommate may have touched sanitized with sanitizer wipes. (Note: flu bacteria can generally not live on inorganic surfaces for more that 8 hours – and can be killed with basic anti-bacterial cleaners or wipes)

You may want to consider sleeping in the living room or another bedroom of your suite or apartment.

Please utilize the Newark Campus H1N1 website for additional information through the link below:
http://www.newark.rutgers.edu/H1N1/