FAQs: Information for Penn Students

Q: How many Penn students have reported having flu-like symptoms?

A: For the week of November 1-7, 111 students reported influenza-like illness to Student Health Service. For October 25-31, the number was 107 students.
  The cases of influenza-like illness at Penn have been consistent with reports nationally that the illness ranges from mild to severe, and most people who have been sick have recovered without needing medical treatment. Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance, Student Health Service tests for the H1N1 virus only in specific circumstances such as patients who are at risk for complications with flu.

Q: I have heard there are problems with students getting the seasonal flu vaccine. What is happening with scheduling seasonal flu vaccine appointments at Student Health Service?

A: Student Health has exhausted its current supply of seasonal flu vaccine. We expect to receive additional  seasonal vaccine in the coming weeks. However, there continue to be nationwide reports of delays in shipping of flu vaccine. Students should visit this webpage often for ongoing flu immunization updates

If you develop symptoms of influenza-like illness, do not go to class, work, or other public places until you are fever free for more than 24 hours. Contact Student Health Service at 215-746-3535 to report your illness and to receive guidance about treatment. You may consider leaving campus to stay with family until you recover. If you do leave campus, please inform Student Health Service and travel in a way that limits your contact with others (for example, avoid public transportation).

Consider what steps you can take now to limit the disruption if you develop influenza-like illness.

• Talk to your roommates about what would happen if you or they develop influenza-like illness.

• Talk to your parents and other family members about what would happen if you or they develop influenza-like illness.

• Ask your instructors about attendance policies and procedures for making up assignments or exams if you become ill.

• Purchase flu prevention supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, disinfectants, and disposable wipes. Frequently clean high touch surfaces such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, and counters.

Q: Has Penn considered moving students infected with flu to special dormitories? Why isn't Penn offering non-infected roommates of students with flu the opportunity to move to alternate housing?

A: Penn's primary concern is to prevent the spread of flu on campus. Public health officials have advised that there is no public health reason to ask students to move to alternate locations on campus. Those infected with flu can be contagious 24 hours before they begin to develop symptoms, meaning that healthy roommates likely will have been exposed to the virus before their roommates become visibly ill.

Sick students who are able to travel home are encouraged to do so. If a student does leave campus, he or she should inform Student Health Service and travel in a way that limits contact with others (for example, avoid public transportation).

Q: Will the Student Health Service prescribe Tamiflu or other antiviral medication to students?

A: In keeping with current guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on treating influenza-like illness, Student Health Service will prescribe antiviral medications on a limited, case-by-case basis, to those who are pregnant, severely ill, or have underlying health conditions (severe asthma, diabetes, HIV disease, immune deficiency).

Q: I am a student. What should I do if I miss class due to influenza-like illness?

A: You make contact your instructors and let them know that you have influenza-like illness and will be missing class. You are responsible for making up any work that you miss and for working with your instructors to minimize the disruption caused by your absence. If your illness causes you to miss more than a week of class, you should contact the advising office of your program or school.

Q: What should I tell my parents or family members about plans for influenza at Penn?

A: You should share this report with them and encourage them to visit the Student Health Service homepage to find out more about healthcare for students at Penn. Parents and other family members who wish to receive updates about influenza developments at Penn can subscribe to the Flu Update Service.

Q: What should I do if my roommate or friend gets sick?

A: Here are some guidelines to follow if your roommates, friends, hallmates, or neighbors develop influenza-like illness:

• Avoid face-to-face contact with the sick person.

• Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner after you touch the sick person or handle items they have touched.

• Monitor yourself for flu symptoms and contact Student Health Service if you develop symptoms.

• Visit www.flu.gov to find information about caring for a sick person at home.

• If you live on campus and a sick roommate is causing you stress, you should discuss your concerns with your RA/GA or your House Dean. Whether you live on or off campus, visit the U-Life webpage for information on resources available to you.

Q: How do students who are sick get meals?

A: If you have influenza-like illness and have contacted Student Health Service to report your illness, you may have a friend pick up meals for you.  The person picking up your meal(s) will be asked to provide your name and residence, and the meal(s) will be debited from you meal plan account.  If you do not have a meal plan, a charge of $21 per daily 3-meal package will be added to your account.

If you have the flu with GI symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach), adequate hydration is a critical priority during your illness.  Bon Appétit at Penn Dining has put together a meal for these symptoms that can be picked up at 1920 Commons, Hill House, Kings Court, and McClelland.  If you do not have GI symptoms, Bon Appétit at Penn Dining has put together a breakfast, lunch, and dinner package that can be picked up at 1920 Commons, Hill House, Kings Court, and McClelland.  Kosher meals can be picked up at Falk Dining in Steinhardt Hall. For more information, visit www.upenn.edu/dining.