Swine flu and the University of Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions

Swine flu and the University of Chicago: FAQs

Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the swine flu specific to the University of Chicago campus.  More general FAQs may be found at the following links:

Centers for Disease Control:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
Chicago Department of Public Health:  http://news.uchicago.edu/files/swine.flu.faq.pdf

Have there been any cases of swine flu at the University of Chicago?
The University of Chicago Medical Center is investigating a small number of potential cases of swine flu. The people in question are not seriously ill. The cases are unconfirmed, and UCMC is working with the Illinois and Chicago Departments of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to test samples for swine flu.  More information will be shared with the campus community if any cases are confirmed.

Will the University close if swine flu cases on campus are confirmed?
At this time, the illness has not been severe enough to warrant closing the campus. Public health officials are not advising that we do so, and peer institutions who have confirmed cases of swine flu are planning to remain open.  We will monitor the situation closely and adjust our plans if needed.

Should I report to work or attend class if I am feeling ill?
Swine flu appears to have the same symptoms as seasonal flu:  headache, fever, sore throat, muscle soreness, cough, and sometimes vomiting (especially in children).  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should not report to work or attend class. 

Where should I go for medical assistance if I am feeling ill?
If you are experiencing minor symptoms and you are at home, please stay home, get rest and drink plenty of fluids. If your symptoms are moderate or severe please seek care from your primary physician.

If you are already on campus: Faculty or staff of the University whose primary care comes from the Primary Care Group; AND students at the University of Chicago; AND Medical Center employees may come to a temporary swine flu screening center for a brief evaluation and testing.

Beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, all swine flu screening for members of the University of Chicago community will be moved to the Student Care Center in R-100 of the Lying-In Hospital. Screening will take place from 1 pm to 5 pm Wednesday and from 7am to 5 pm Thursday and Friday.

You can come to the Student Care Center (SCC) through entrances to the University of Chicago Medical Center, including the entrance at Ellis Ave and 58th Street (follow signs to the SCC) and the Goldblatt entrance on 59th and Drexel (left after you pass through the lobby).

Will you notify individual faculty members, staff members, or students who may have come in contact with an infected person?
We will collaborate with the Chicago Department of Public Health to notify individuals, such as roommates, who have come in close contact with infected individuals.  However, the infection has now spread more widely throughout Chicago and there are many ways that community members may come in brief contact with those who are ill. Notifying all those who may have come in brief contact with infected persons in a large group setting would not serve any significant public health benefit at this point.

What should I do if I am ill and have pressing academic obligations, such as a scheduled exam?
First and foremost, we want you to attend to your health.  If you have symptoms, need screening or need treatment, do not delay or defer action in order to meet academic or work obligations.  As always, you should contact the dean of students in your academic unit if you are ill and need assistance with academic matters.  The Office of the Vice President and Dean of Students will work with academic units to ensure that accommodations are made for students with the flu or in need of screening.

Is the University imposing any travel restrictions in light of swine flu outbreaks?
We have not placed any formal restrictions on travel.  However, we encourage those who are planning travel to check on the guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and to be mindful of the travel guidelines issued by the location to which you are traveling.  The CDC recommendations are regularly updated in order to account for the shifting pattern of infection across the globe. 

What is the University doing to reduce the spread of infection in the residence halls?
Ordinarily, individuals diagnosed with the swine flu are asked to remain at home in order to prevent the spread of infection.  This prescription is not helpful for students who live in the group setting of a residence hall.  Therefore, provisions are being made to relocate temporarily any residence hall students diagnosed with swine flu, or in the testing process for swine flu, in University-provided housing that is separate from other residents.

What is the University doing to reduce the spread of infection in the Medical Center?
The University of Chicago Medical Center is taking a wide variety of measures to limit the transmission of flu. A few examples: Anybody entering a hospital is now asked at the door to sanitize their hands. Employees with symptoms are being screened and sent home. Visitors with symptoms who do not need to be in the hospital are being asked to leave; in rare cases where a visitor with symptoms must be in the hospital to make patient care possible, that person is asked to wear a mask at all times, remain in the patient’s room and work with Infection Control to minimize risks. Flu screening for members of the University community is taking place away from other patient care areas.

Where can faculty and staff members, students, and parents get more information?
The most complete source of information regarding the University’s response to swine flu right now is on the University’s website, at http://news.uchicago.edu/btn/swineflu.php. Employees of the Medical Center can find information specific to their circumstances on the intranet, at home.uchospitals.edu.

Additional Resources