Housing and Dining Programs has confirmed a slight increase of students exhibiting flu-like symptoms in the residence halls this year.
“[As of Jan. 30,] there have only been 15 reported cases [of flu-like symptoms] in the residence halls,” Director of Residence Life Rick Treter said in an email.
As of Feb. 5, there were only two open cases of student who reported still not feeling well, according to Treter. Most flu cases on campus last 48 hours, Treter said.
“The increase is slightly up from last year, but nothing that is alarming,” Treter said in an email. “That is also because the flu is being reported at higher rates nationally this year.”
The number of students reported with flu-like symptoms are more common in Anderson, Letts and McDowell halls than Centennial, Nebraska and Leonard because students have more interaction with other residents in these halls, according to Treter.
A flu outbreak in 2010 led to 50 AU students simultaneously reporting symptoms, compared to the current 15, Treter said in an email.
RAs keep flu counts for Health Center
This flu season, resident assistants have been instructed to keep track of the number of sick residents on their floors so the Student Health Center can determine how many students reported flu-like symptoms and provide necessary resources, according to Treter.
Housing and Dining chose to record the cases this year due to a higher rate of flu outbreaks nationwide.
AU taking steps to help sick students and their roommates
The Student Health Center and the Housing and Dining Programs Office are handing out a one-meal pass so sick students can give their ID to a friend to get a meal at the Terrace Dining Room, Tavern, the Tenley Cafe or the Marketplace, according to the handout.
RAs typically give roommates of the sick student three options:
• Stay in their room but be cautious around their sick roommate
• Stay with a friend until their roommate does not have a fever for 24 hours
• Talk to their RA about temporary housing in either Hughes Hall for men or Centennial Hall for women
Housing and Dining is also ensuring that halls are sanitized, according to Treter.
“We are working closely with Aramark cleaning staff to make sure that common areas are being cleaned and wiped on a daily basis,” Treter said in an email.
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