Classes Remain in Session during Current Flu Conditions
The flu season will last through the fall and winter. More than one kind of flu virus will be spreading this season, including seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu. We encourage all students, faculty, and staff to follow these recommendations to stay healthy.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your shirt sleeve.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Wash your hands before eating.
- Do not share your food, drink, or utensils with others.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor’s treatment. If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, you should limit contact with others and stay home from work or school and remain there until 24 hours after symptoms cease. A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent resumption of normal activities.
At this time, students, faculty, and staff who are NOT sick can safely come to class and to work. We are working closely with the Knox County Health Department and will keep you updated with any important information regarding the current flu conditions.
We will continue to monitor the flu situation as it develops and will keep you informed of any changes.