Preparing for the Flu

The Medical Clinic at ACU is working to help prevent and minimize the spread of the flu on campus. Hand sanitizers have been placed in high-traffic areas around campus, helpful tips are posted around campus, and the Medical Clinic staff is working closely with the Residence Life department to prepare and respond to the flu. ACU plans to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control in handling any type of the flu.

Action Steps for Students, Faculty and Staff
to Prevent the Spread of Flu

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends 4 main ways to avoid the flu:

Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or shoulder, not into your hands.
If you are sick, stay home or at your place of residence for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined before the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

It is your responsibility to notify the appropriate person if you experience these symptoms. If you are a student (even if you live off campus), please contact the Residence Life staff.
Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu. The H1N1 flu vaccine is not available yet but should be later in the fall. ACU will offer this vaccine as soon as it is available.
1. Information about 2009 H1N1 flu vaccination can be found at: www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination.
2. Information about seasonal flu vaccine can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

Facts about the flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu ("swine flu")

Symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, fatigue and fever/chills. Diarrhea and vomiting may also be present.
Treatment for the 2009 H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu virus are the same. An antiviral medication may be prescribed to help minimize the severity and duration of the illness.

For more information and frequently asked questions about seasonal flu and 2009 N1H1 flu, visit the following links.

For questions or further assistance:

Contact the ACU Medical Clinic