H1N1 (Swine) Flu Emergency Preparedness

Faculty/Staff Information

Click here to read a Message from the Provost.
Click here to read a Message from the Provost on Planning for Instructional Continuity.
Click here to read a Reminder from Dr. Haefner about Academic Continuity.

What can I do to help prevent and/or contain the incidence of H1N1 in the RIT community?

You can help by reinforcing with students and co-workers the actions recommended by RIT and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. RIT suggests that individuals follow CDC guidelines for hand-hygiene and respiratory etiquette. These are:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Other important actions that individuals can take are:

Follow public health advice regarding avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
Be prepared in case you get sick and need to stay home or in your room for a week or so; a supply of alcohol-based hand rubs or cleaners, tissues and other related items could be useful and help avoid the need to make trips out in public while you are sick and contagious

Should I work if I am exhibiting flu-like symptoms?

In the interest of prevention and containment, if you are exhibiting flu-like symptoms, you should not come to work. Stay home; contact your primary care physician and follow his/her advice. It is also important to note that, if you come to work and are unable to perform your job duties, or appear to be exposing others to the flu, you will be asked by your supervisor to go home.

When can I return to work if I have had a flu-like illness?

First and foremost, follow the advice of your health care provider. General advice currently being provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) related to H1N1 indicates you can return to work as early as 24 hours after you are free of fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

How will RIT handle the reporting, recording, and payment of time if I’m out due to illness?

RIT’s current faculty and staff policies and procedures related to absence reporting and sick time will remain in effect. Additional details on these policies and procedures can be found on the following links:

Absence reporting information for faculty and staff:

http://finweb.rit.edu/humanresources/policies/procedures/absence.html

Additional absence reporting information for faculty:

http://www.rit.edu/academicaffairs/Manual/sectionE/E4.html

Sick time and short term disability information for faculty and staff:

http://finweb.rit.edu/humanresources/benefits/protect/shorttermplan.html#1

Individuals who experience a hardship due to an extended absence should first consult their supervisor. Requests for exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by supervisors in consultation with their Human Resources Services Manager.

Should I get the regular seasonal flu shot?

The CDC recommends getting the seasonal flu shot as well as the H1N1vaccine, when it is available. RIT recommends that you consult with your primary care physician.

Will RIT have seasonal flu vaccination clinics for faculty and staff this year?

Yes. Human Resources has scheduled clinics for faculty and staff this fall. To alleviate congestion and long lines, we are suggesting you attend a clinic nearest your work location.

Thursday, Nov. 19 - Student Development Center (Building 55), Room 1310

The clinic will be open from 7 am to 5 pm.

Depending on the number of people attending, you may have a short wait; in addition, you may need to wait 15 minutes after the shot to make sure you do not have an adverse reaction. Please remember to wear clothing that provides easy access to your upper arm.

You should bring your medical plan ID card and your RIT employee ID card. There may be a payment required, depending on the medical plan you have (cash or check payable to Sibley Nursing):

RIT’s Blue Point2 POS A, B, and B No Drug and another employer’s Blue Choice and MVP (formerly Preferred Care) plans - covered in full
BlueCross BlueShield Comprehensive - not covered; $30 payment required
Other medical plan - $30 payment required. If your plan covers flu shots, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the plan. Contact your insurance carrier for details.

If/when available, should I get the newly-developed H1N1 vaccination?

The CDC recommends getting the seasonal flu shot as well as the H1N1vaccine, when it is available. RIT recommends that you consult with your primary care physician.