Influenza Information

With the early arrival of flu season across the country and in the Mid-Atlantic region, MU health officials are urging students to take preventive measures to protect their health.

Because the flu can spread by contact with people who are ill, MU health officials recommend that members of our campus community take these precautions:

• Get a flu shot.  We strongly encourage members of the campus community to receive the influenza vaccination prior to the start of the semester.  A limited number of flu shots will be available at MU Health Services.  It is recommended that you check the Health Services website for more information of the availability and hours for obtaining a vaccination. 

• Most flu symptoms can be relieved with over the counter medication.  Therefore, students are encouraged to prepare a self-care kit that includes:  Tylenol or Advil, cough syrup, Sudafed, lozenges, tissues, and a thermometer prior to returning to the university.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after touching common surfaces such as door handles.   Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with either a disposable tissue or a sleeve, and avoid touching your face. Avoid contact with people who are sick. Get plenty of rest in order to keep the immune system working at its best.
• Monitor your health. Flu symptoms include fever (>100⁰F) with cough or sore throat, and sometimes runny nose, body aches, headache, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Students should ensure that MU Health Services has your medical records so that the best professional medical care can be extended. 

What to do if sick with the flu:

• Anyone exhibiting any of the influenza like symptoms are encouraged to stay at home until symptom/fever free for 24 hours. This limits the potential spread of the virus within the workplace. Contact your primary healthcare practitioner as needed.

• Resident students should confine themselves to their room and contact their resident assistant or graduate hall director for assistance.
• Ill students should limit contact with others who are not sick. Those with flu-like symptoms should not return to class until they no longer have a fever (a temperature of less than 100.5 F) for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Resident students who have flu symptoms may order meals for pickup from Dining Services by contacting their resident assist or graduate hall director.  Roommates and friends picking up the meals must have the ill student's MU ID card.
• During the spring academic semester, students should seek medical attention if they have acute symptoms such as body aches, cough or a fever of more than 100.5. They should talk with a health care provider about appropriate medicine to treat flu or flu-like symptoms.   MU Health Services can be contacted by calling 717-871-5250.
• If symptoms worsen after being on the medication for three or four days, see your doctor.  Students should call to schedule an appointment at MU Health Center to be evaluated.  Students with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, or complications should call MU Health Services at 717-871-5250.
• Students with the flu should email their professors as soon as possible and let them know they have the flu and will not be attending class.

Where to find health care:

• MU Health Services is open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.   Students may call 717-871-5250 to make an appointment. 

Students in need of assistance after hours, may obtain immediate care at the following locations:

Med Express
4 Rohrerstown Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17603
717-299-3627

Lancaster General Health Urgent Care
2118 Spring Valley Rd.
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-544-0150

As is the policy at Health Services, medical excuses are not issued. Read Health Services' Class Excuse Policy for more information.

Students should contact their professors about missed classes to mutually arrange for students to make up missed assignments and tests.  Professors are asked for their help and support during these extraordinary times. Sending students to Health Services or other health care facilities can potentially expose them to further illness.

View the MU policy on class attendance.

Our goal is to have a productive and healthy semester and to minimize the spread of the flu at MU!