What is UNT doing to help students avoid the flu?
The health, welfare and safety of our students is paramount and the university continues efforts to help the UNT community avoid getting the flu. The university will update this web site as conditions warrant. You are encouraged to check the web site regularly. Students are encouraged to check the website regularly.
UNT also is taking steps to educate members of its community about prevention, the symptoms of the flu, and what to do if one becomes sick.
UNT's Student Health and Wellness Center health care professionals are available to examine any students who are symptomatic.
UNT's Health Emergency Preparedness Team has adopted guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention specific for institutions of higher education and consults regularly with the Denton County Health Department to coordinate flu preparedness and response.
What should my child do if he/she gets the flu?
Your child should contact the UNT Student Health and Wellness Center or their personal health care provider for advice.
If your child has been diagnosed with influenza like illness, they may be asked to isolate them self from other students until they have been free of fever for 24 hours. If possible, your child should go home to avoid other students.
If your child lives in a residence hall and is sick, you may want him/her to return home until he/she is well. Encourage your child to contact their RA or hall director for assistance. If your child lives in off-campus housing, he/she should remain in their room until they have been free of fever for 24 hours. Ask your child to inform their roommate(s) of their diagnosis.
What if my child gets the flu and misses class, who should he/she call?
Your child should first call the faculty member who teaches each class. If he/she is unable to reach the faculty member, he/she should contact the department chair in that academic area. Names of department chairs can be found on the departmental web site.
What should my child do if they are pregnant or have compromised health?
UNT recommends the student consult with his or her physician. Your child may also discuss class attendance with their professor. If the health care provider advises against coming to UNT's campus, your child should visit with each of their faculty members to make alternative arrangements for completing the semester. If your child is unable to reach faculty members, he/she should contact the department chair in that academic area. Names of department chairs can be found on the departmental web site.
What can we all do to avoid the flu?
- Avoid close contact with people who appear to be sick or are known to be sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough and throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, cover your mouth and nose with the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands thoroughly often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work effectively as a temporary measure.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to reduce the spread of germs.
- Practice healthy behaviors, such as getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating a nutritious diet.
- If you get sick with influenza, the CDC recommends that you stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Can my child get a flu shot on campus?
A limited number of seasonal flu vaccines are available to students through the Student Health and Wellness Center. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get a seasonal flu shot this fall. Seasonal flu shots are also available at the Denton County Health Department.
Does my child need a separate vaccination against H1N1?
Yes, the H1N1 vaccine will be separate from the seasonal flu vaccine. It is anticipated that a H1N1 vaccine will be available later this fall. The Center for Disease Control has recommended priority groups that would receive the H1N1 vaccine first.
What should my child do if he/she suspects someone is ill with the flu?
Urge them to contact either the UNT Student Health and Wellness Center or their physician for diagnosis and care.
Are there any supplies my child should have on hand if they experience flu-like symptoms?
Tylenol or Ibuprophen, tissues, anti-bacterial hand soap, alcohol-based hand sanitizer and a thermometer are good to have on hand.
If my child becomes sick and lives in a residence hall, how will he/she get meals if he/she is not supposed to leave the room?
Your child should notify the residence assistant or dorm director. Arrangements can be made for meals to be delivered to students who are isolated.
