Date: September 28, 2009
To: UMBC Employees
From: Valerie A. Thomas, Associate Vice President
Department of Human Resources
Re: Faculty and Staff H1N1 Virus Update
In accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations, the departments of Human Resources and Information Technology (DoIT) have created an online reporting process for faculty and staff reporting of flu-like symptoms. Data collected will provide information needed to make decisions related to building or campus closings.
This process is only used for reporting absences related to your flu-like symptoms or for the care of a family member who has flu-like symptoms. As part of the process employees are asked to
- use normal departmental call-out procedures to report the illness; and
- report flu-like symptoms using the on-line reporting process. Employees may ask a designated staff member to complete the on-line report on their behalf.
The online process only allows reporting in three-day increments. If you are out more than three days, please re-enter your information.
The online reporting process may be accessed at any time at https://my.umbc.edu/apps/h1n1, and is also available by logging into your myUMBC account (listed under “Profiles”). Flu Absence Reporting Instructions (http://www.umbc.edu/hr/PDFs/FluAbsenceH1N1Reporting.pdf) outline the steps for completing the process. Questions about the process should be directed to Sherrell McNamara (mcnamara@umbc.edu) or Rochelle Sanders (rsanders@umbc.edu).
ABOUT THE H1N1 VIRUS
Health experts continue to monitor the H1N1 virus as it develops around the world, and UMBC, along with health agencies across the country, remains on alert. You and your family are encouraged to add preparation for this year’s flu season to your emergency plans.
The H1N1 virus spreads in the same way that seasonal flu spreads – primarily from person-to-person contact and through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. People may occasionally become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose. Remember to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
How to minimize the risk of catching the flu virus?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing your nose. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Use household disinfectant to wipe commonly touched areas like work stations, counter tops, door knobs, and bathroom surfaces.
What symptoms should you expect?
- The CDC states that if you have symptoms that include a fever over 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) AND cough, sore throat, or runny nose or stuffiness, you are likely sick from flu-like symptoms.
What to do if you get flu-like symptoms?
- Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness. You should remain at home until 24 hours after you no longer have a fever without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
- Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
When should you become more seriously concerned?
You should be more seriously concerned if you have the following WARNING SIGNS:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness or confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
What should you do if you get warning signs?
- Call your doctor, go to the hospital, or call 911.
When will medical documentation be required?
It is predicted that this flu season will affect many people who cannot (or should not) seek medical attention. Supervisors are aware that there will be cases when employees will be absent from work for more than five days because of the flu and that these employees may not have a doctor’s slip.
Will UMBC know the number of faculty/staff illness due to flu-like symptoms?
Yes. The Department of Human Resources will collect all reports on a daily basis. This information will be shared with UHS.
If you have a family member at home who is sick with H1N1 flu, should you go to work?
Employees who are well but who have an ill family member at home with the H1N1 flu can go to work as usual. These employees should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.* If they become ill, they should notify their supervisor and stay home. In addition, employees should use the online reporting process to document flu-like symptoms. Employees who have an underlying medical condition or who are pregnant should call their health care provider for advice, because they might need to receive influenza antiviral drugs to prevent illness.
More information about H1N1 can be found at https://my.umbc.edu/apps/h1n1. If have questions, contact UHS at 410-455-2542.
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