October 1, 2009 Update - Like many colleges and universities across the country, Rider has been experiencing flu-like illness among students, faculty and staff since earlier this semester. The good news is that the numbers are still relatively small. As of today, we know of 32 students and 17 faculty and staff across both campuses who have reported flu-like illness and are recovering at home or have since recovered. Of these, two have been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu). Procedures for dealing with these cases have proceeded as planned.

Please refer to the September 1, 2009 update below for additional information.

September 1, 2009 Update - Rider continues to work closely with Lawrence and Princeton Township Health Departments and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services to monitor information related to all potential flu strains, including the H1N1 virus (swine flu), and to prepare accordingly. The University’s preparations reflect their recommendations to date as well as those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Developments related to swine flu have been evolving, sometimes quite rapidly, since the initial outbreak this spring. Rider will continue to monitor the situation closely with the help of public health officials and update you accordingly. Information is also available at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu or http://www.nj.gov.health. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources as well.

What can I do to reduce the risk of coming down with the flu?
We encourage all members of our University community to continue the preventive practices recommended by public health officials, such as those listed below, to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.

• Avoid close contact with people who are ill and stay at home when you are ill.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and dispose of the tissue immediately in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

What are some common health remedies I should have on hand?
We recommend that students keep on hand common health remedies that can be taken to relieve fever (below 103 degrees), sore throat, minor cuts or scrapes, ear ache, headache, and vomiting, among other conditions students typically deal with each year.

A student health/first aid kit should include pain relievers/fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, thermometer, cough and cold remedies, band-aides, antibiotic ointment, ice/hot pack, and medications for upset stomach or diarrhea. Of course, Student Health Services also has these available for a fee should you run out of a particular item.

Will Rider make the seasonal flu vaccine available to students?
Seasonal flu clinics for students are being offered as follows this fall.  The cost is $25.00 payable by cash or check at the time of vaccination.

• Lawrenceville campus: Tuesday, October 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., SRC Seminar Room
• Princeton campus: Tuesday, October 13, 2:30 to 4 p.m., Thayer Lounge

Public health officials advise all students to have a discussion with their healthcare provider about getting a seasonal flu vaccine as early into the semester as possible.

Will Rider make the swine flu vaccine available to students?
As per the CDC, the swine flu vaccine is currently in production and should be available sometime this fall. The vaccine is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine but to be used along side it. While college-age students are among the groups that the CDC is currently recommending receive the vaccine, we do not yet know how or when it will be available. We will continue to work with public health officials to keep informed about future developments and will update you accordingly.

How will I know if I have swine flu or seasonal flu?
The CDC is not currently recommending testing. Therefore, you may not necessarily know whether or not you have seasonal or swine flu.

Flu-like symptoms, whether the result of the swine flu or other virus, include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with swine flu have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.

What should I do if I start experiencing flu-like symptoms?
Commuter students should contact their personal healthcare provider.

Resident students should contact Student Health Services as follows:

• Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Contact Student Health Services first by phone at (609) 896-5060 (both campuses) before coming in to be seen.
• Weeknights: Treat symptoms using your student health/first aid kit, drink plenty of fluids, and contact Student Health Services as soon as possible the next day during regular business hours at (609) 896-5060 (both campuses). If symptoms are severe, contact Public Safety immediately at (609) 896-5029 after hours.
• Weekends: Contact Public Safety at (609) 896-5029. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Public Safety will notify the local ambulance squad or appropriate Student Affairs staff. If symptoms are not severe, we will encourage you to go home.
  Student Health Services staff will confirm whether or not you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and will make recommendations accordingly.

What if I am confirmed to have the flu?
If you are confirmed to have the flu, whether seasonal or swine flu, stay or return home, take care of yourself, and do not return to Rider for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.  This is based on current CDC guidelines.

If you are a resident student, Student Affairs will work with you in arranging to return home should you become ill. As is the case with any illness related absence, you are responsible for notifying your professors in order to arrange for completion of your academic requirements. We also recommend that you contact the Dean of Students office at (609) 896-5101 so that we can report your illness to your professors as necessary.

If you are a resident student who lives too far from either of our two campuses to return home, Rider will provide care in separate facilities on the Lawrenceville campus. This is to help prevent the spread of illness. Medical and other assistance will be available in these areas with the help of a contracted nursing service and Student Affairs staff. Princeton students will be transported by Public Safety to the Lawrenceville campus where there will be sufficient room to accommodate them.

What if I am at risk for flu complications?
As per CDC recommendations, contact your healthcare provider if you think you may be at risk for flu complications. Your healthcare provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Additionally, we recommend that you contact the Dean of Students office or Student Health Services to make them aware of your particular circumstances.

What if I have additional questions?
Contact Student Health Services at (609) 896-5060 or the Dean of Students office at (609) 896-5101.