As fall approaches and cases of H1N1 begin, Towson University is taking a proactive approach to monitoring the spread of the flu on campus. University officials are tracking sick absences on a daily basis and comparing them with a prior year baseline to determine how the illness is affecting campus. This data will be used to make important decisions about our continued H1N1 response.
We ask that all faculty and staff members assist in the tracking efforts by informing their supervisors if their sick absence is suspected to be a result of the flu, or has been determined to be the flu. We also ask all faculty and staff to inform (or have a family member inform) their supervisors if they are hospitalized because of the flu. If your sick absence is not caused by a flu-like illness there is no need to give additional information other than that you are taking sick leave. Information on how to identify flu like symptoms is available below for your reference. If you are taking sick leave to care for a sick family member with the flu or a flu-like illness, please simply report that you are on sick family leave, not sick leave due to flu. This should only be used if you personally are out sick with a flu-like illness.
The Flu Vs. The Common Cold: CDC Guidance
? The flu and the common cold are both respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms.
? In general, flu symptoms are more severe than the common cold, and often include high fever, body aches and/or headaches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough.
? Individuals with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose, scratchy or mildly sore throat, and little or no fever.
We understand that this is a deviation from typical sick leave protocol, and we would like to note that faculty and staff members are not required to tell us if their absence is due to the flu. However, gathering this information is in the best interest of the health and safety of the campus community, and we appreciate your cooperation in conveying the information if at all possible. In addition, the Health Center will be monitoring student absences on campus; thus, student employee absences should not be reported through the staff channels. The Health Center will also be keeping track of information made available by the county and state health departments. We trust that you understand the need for this important surveillance.
If you have any questions about sick leave, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 410-704-2162. For information and guidance on the H1N1 flu, go to {http://wwwnew.towson.edu/main/abouttu/newsroom/fluguidance.asp}.
