Isolation Information

For Students

Why is it so important to isolate yourself from others when you have flu symptoms?

One of the best strategies for preventing the spread of influenza infection is vaccination. Currently, there is a limited supply of novel H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. Because we are not able to protect through the use of vaccine, it is important to prevent spread of infection on campus by asking those who are ill with flu symptoms to separate themselves from others who are well. The practice of separating ill people from those who are well is known as isolation.

There are several self-isolation options. The best plan is to return home when you have influenza symptoms. Students living in off-campus apartments can isolate by staying in a room separate from others. Residence halls have prepared rooms for students living on campus and are unable to return home. Campus residents should contact their hall directors for assistance with isolation.

How will I know whether I need to self-isolate?
Most people with influenza experience characteristic symptoms of body aches, weakness, fever and chills. Body aches and weakness can range from mild to severe. Other common flu symptoms include headache, cough, sore throat, and congestion. Some people are experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with the novel H1N1 infection.

If you are experiencing these flu symptoms, you’ll want to separate yourself from others at the onset of symptoms. Early in the illness, it may be difficult to tell whether you have influenza. If you separate from others and monitor symptoms, you’ll be protecting those around you from getting sick. If you are uncertain about whether your symptoms represent influenza, please call a Sindecuse health professional at (269) 387-3287.

When should I wear a mask?
Masks can help to decrease the spread of infectious droplets by those who are coughing and sneezing. Wearing a mask while ill with flu symptoms demonstrates to your peers that you care about their health and safety. You will be directed to put on a mask when entering healthcare facilities with flu symptoms. You should leave the mask on until you have exited the building or after the clinician provides direction to remove it. If you are staying in isolation and need to leave for medical care or supplies, please put on a mask. Students isolated in residence halls may request a mask from hall directors. Those who are making an effort to wear masks while ill with flu symptoms are playing an important role in preventing spread of infection to their peers.

How do I end isolation in the residence halls?
Students will self-discontinue isolation when they have been free of fever for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. Verbal or written permission from Sindecuse clinicians or residence hall staff is not required to end isolation. Students will be asked to notify the residence hall director when leaving an isolation room.

What is the process to obtain a temporary isolation room for students living in residence halls?
Students who are comfortable managing their flu illness without going to a doctor should notify their hall director of their need for an isolation room. Clinical staff at Sindecuse will assist students with calling residence staff to arrange an isolation room after they have been diagnosed with an influenza-like illness. Over 30 rooms have been set up in multiple residence halls for students requiring isolation.

How do I get food while staying in an isolation room?
Once a room has been identified for isolation, hall directors will assist students with meal plans. A menu will be provided to those in isolation to make food selections. Meal trays will be delivered to students in isolation rooms.

My roommate is ending self-isolation; what do I need to know?Your roommate has made an effort to prevent spreading the virus to you by self-isolating. Since they have already taken one of the most essential steps in protecting your health, their prevention efforts should continue after ending isolation. When your roommate ends isolation, it will be important for both of you to:

• avoid sharing personal items;
• maintain as much distance from each other as your room allows;
• clean high touch surfaces such as door knobs, switches, and bathroom surfaces.

Your roommate has received information about the importance of practicing hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. You will want to monitor yourself for flu symptoms for several days.

The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns regarding your health.