Information for Employees

Information posted September 22

Thank you to everyone in the Xavier University community for their cooperation, flexibility and understanding while we deal with the novel H1N1 flu virus.

There have been approximately 175 probable cases of the novel H1N1 flu virus reported to the McGrath Health and Wellness Center since late August. Since Labor Day, the number of reported cases has dwindled, but this does not mean the flu will not hit again! Please continue to practice good hygiene to help stop the spread of germs!

The lower level of the Alumni Center, which housed the recovery center, has been reopened to the Phonathon, employees and visitors. The area has been thoroughly cleaned and is perfectly safe.

If the need arises, Xavier's Emergency Response Team may reactivate the recovery center in that location.

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center has applied to the Ohio Department of Health for doses of the novel H1N1 flu vaccine which was recently approved by the FDA. It is not known exactly when McGrath might receive the vaccines. However, seasonal flu vaccines are available.

Season Flu Shots Available

Employees

To help control the flu virus, the Office of Human Resources in collaboration with the Xavier University's benefits committee is providing regular flu shots, by appointment, to Xavier employees in conjunction with Health Works, an Anthem provider. The vaccine offers protection from the seasonal flu, but not the H1N1 virus.

The shots are available

• Monday, Sept. 28, noon to 4:00 p.m., Joseph Club in the Cintas Center.
• Thursday, Oct. 1, 8:00 a.m. to noon, Joseph Club in the Cintas Center.

The shots are available with no co-pay for those employees covered under Xavier's Anthem Health plan. Membership cards must be presented at the time of service. If you do not have coverage through Xavier, the cost of the shot is $22, payable in cash or a check payable to Health Works.

You must complete a flu shot CONSENT FORM and bring the form with you to the appointment. If you answer "yes" to questions on the consent form, please consult your physician before scheduling an appointment.

To schedule an appointment, please REGISTER HERE.

Please remember to wear a short sleeve shirt or top to your appointment.

Please contact Niké Cline-Bailey at 3698 or clinebai@xavier.edu for more information.

Information posted September 8

Employees who contract the flu should notify their supervisor and stay home for 5 days from the onset of symptoms. They need to be fever free for 24 hours, without medication (e.g. Advil, Tylenol, or similar fever reducing products) before returning to work. A doctor's note is not required in this specific instance.

Information posted August 31

The McGrath Health and Wellness Center continues to get calls from students who are experiencing influenza-like illnesses. Students are either going home or are going to the student recovery center in the lower level of the Alumni Center. Approximately 15-16 students are currently at the center and are steadily progressing. Several students have already been discharged. The recovery area is being staffed 24/7 with help from Xavier faculty and Tri-Health medical professionals. Dr. Konerman from the McGrath Health Center is also making daily rounds at the recovery center. Please use the front entrance when coming to the Alumni Center. The side entrance facing Dana Avenue is strictly for students and/or medical personnel going to the student recovery center. There is no entrance to the rest of the Alumni Center through that entryway. The Deans now have a list of students who are out of class because of the flu and are passing along the information to affected faculty. Xavier’s Emergency Response Team continues to monitor the flu situation and is posting any new information at www.xavier.edu/flu.

Dear Faculty and Staff        August 27, 2009

We want to keep you up to date on the 2009 novel H1N1 influenza A virus (aka swine flu) situation here at Xavier.

More and more students are reporting mild influenza like symptoms and illnesses. Seven cases have been confirmed as novel H1N1. Several cases have also been confirmed at other area universities.

In light of this and in consultation with the Cincinnati Health Department, students who are feeling ill are being given the option to go home and return to campus when they are completely well.

For students who may not be able to go home, but are feeling ill, or are waiting for parents to pick them up, Xavier is making provisions to provide additional care while they recover. The lower level of the Alumni Center is being converted to a recovery area.

Isolating these students will help not only in their recovery, but also help to limit the spread of the flu on campus.

To also help limit the spread of the flu, faculty are being asked to excuse students from class who may be coughing or are otherwise presenting influenza like symptoms. Those students should immediately contact the McGrath Health and Wellness Center. You should also forward the names of the students to your dean's office.

We also want to make sure that our faculty and staff remain well. Monitoring your temperature is one way to check your health. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please stay home and contact your personal physician.

For more information please visit www.xavier.edu/flu.

As always, thank you for all that you do for our students and that you are doing now under these unusual circumstances.

Roger Fortin