Jefferson
H1N1 Influenza Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For Students
| For Faculty
| For Employees
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For Parents
Employee FAQs
Should I come to work if I have an influenza-like illness?
If you develop symptoms of influenza-like illness, do not go to work or other public places until you are fever free (without medications) for more than 24 hours. The CDC is recommending that flu patients self-isolate, leaving home only to seek medical attention.
If you have direct patient contact or clinical responsibilities in communities where H1N1 transmission is occurring (or have been working in areas of the hospital where H1N1 patients are present) and develop symptoms, you should not return to a clinical setting for 7 days or until symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer. You must be cleared by UHS prior to your return.
What is Jefferson’s sick leave policy? Are there special considerations due to influenza outbreaks?
Staff should follow normal procedures to report absence due to illness. If staff members have no available sick leave, they can report the time as vacation or personal time, according to their staff classification and with supervisor approval. H1N1 is easily spread and all sick staff members are encouraged to stay home to prevent further infection. If you have questions please contact Human Resources. In Center City call (215) 503-7758. At Methodist call (215) 952-9992.
I am a supervisor. What should I do if an employee at work has an influenza-like illness?
Staff who become ill while at work should report to University Health Services for an evaluation and most likely will be sent home if H1N1 influenza is suspected. UHS, located at 833 Chestnut Street, Suite 205, is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 4:00. Staff who are experiencing flu-like symptoms at home should stay at home and contact their personal physician. Sick leave will be used.
Should I inform employees if I know they have been exposed to someone with influenza-like symptoms?
You should inform employees of their exposure if you know they have come into contact with someone who has an influenza-like illness in the workplace. However, normal HIPAA rules should be followed and patient privacy should be maintained. Encourage your staff who have been exposed to monitor themselves for influenza-like symptoms and, if necessary, to speak with their healthcare provider about any medical conditions.
If I have a family member at home who is sick with flu-like symptoms should I go to work?
Employees who are well but who have a family member ill with a flu-like illness can go to work as usual. However, they should monitor their health every day; if they become ill they should go home promptly and stay home until they are fever free (without medication) for 24 hours. Regular precautions should be taken including washing hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
When would the University suspend normal operations due to influenza? How would we be notified?
At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health are not recommending that educational institutions suspend classes or cancel events. However, it is possible that public health officials could recommend that Jefferson suspend normal operations in order to limit the spread of H1N1. This scenario could include suspending classes or canceling large public gatherings such as symposia and social programs. The length of a suspension of normal operations and the impact on educational and research programs would depend upon the severity of the pandemic and public health officials’ ongoing evaluation of the health risks.
If normal operations are suspended, the Jefferson community will be notified via our Intranet sites, e-mail and JeffALERT our Emergency Notification System that can send out alerts through text messaging, voicemail and e-mail to numerous devices such as cellular phones, landline phones, fax machines and PDAs. University employees should visit our JeffALERT web site to learn how to update your contact information so you receive these communications.
You may also check the University’s Operational Status by viewing this site’s home page on the top right hand column.
Latest Info
UNIVERSITY STATUS
The University is open and operating normally.
All students, faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms are urged to remain out of class, the library, offices and other public places. You may resume normal activity only after being fever free for 24 hours (without medication). This applies to those WITHOUT patient care responsibilities.
For up-to-the-minute information about influenza, please see the Centers for Disease Control web site.
For up-to-the-minute information about the Philadelphia area please see the Philadelphia Department of Public Health web site.
For the latest case count in Pennsylvania, please visit the PA Department of Health web site.
STAFF & FACULTY
Inquiries about international travel should be directed to the Office of International Affairs at (215) 503-4335.
