Flu Season 2009-2010: Employee Resources
This web page has been set up to assist employees and supervisors during the 2009-2010 flu season. This website will be updated as the flu season progresses.
Last reviewed/updated: 2009 November 17
Quick Links
Blog: Status of Flu Season at UT System Administration
Flu Prevention: Recommended Behaviors
Blog: Status of Flu Season at UT System Administration
2009 November 17: No news to report. A new flu prevention poster (pdf) is being circulated to help keep prevention behaviors salient for employees.
2009 October 27: The CDC published a resource for people with certain medical conditions considered to increase one's risk during flu season. According to the CDC, flu activity is now widespread in 46 states. Nationwide, visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness are increasing steeply and are now higher than what is seen at the peak of many regular flu seasons. In addition, flu-related hospitalizations and deaths continue to go up nation-wide and are above what is expected for this time of year.
2009 October 8: No information on flu shots is available at this time. There remains no notable influenza pattern at UT System Administration.
2009 September 22: The seasonal flu shot event on 9/29 had to be cancelled. Information will be disseminated as soon as it's available.
2009 September 16: Information on flu shots was added to this page.
2009 September 11: Employee Services posted information about the UT System Administration's flu shot program.
2009 September 10: As of today, there is no notable influenza infection pattern at UT System Administration. Employees should practice the recommended flu prevention behaviors described on this web page and all policies are in full effect.
Flu Prevention: Recommended Behaviors
The Centers for Disease Control is recommending the following prevention behaviors to limit the spread of all flu viruses:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (or your sleeve) 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. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand rub can be used.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
Flu Symptoms
According to the CDC, the following are referred to as “flu-like symptoms.” If you experience these symptoms, you should not report to work.
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Flu Shot Information
Flu vaccine program at UT System Administration (Cancelled, as of 2009 September 21)
Thimerosal Safety FAQ (CDC)
Frequently Asked Questions
I have flu-like symptoms. What should I do?
Stay home. The CDC recommends that you stay away from work until 24 hours after your fever has passed without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Use any type of paid leave that you have accrued and which you are eligible to take. Record "flu" in the notes section of your weekly timesheet for tracking purposes.
The doctor’s office is busy with flu patients. Do I really need to get a doctor’s note if I miss more than 3 days of work due to illness?
Yes. It is a state law.
Family members of mine have flu-like symptoms and/or I have been exposed to people with flu-like symptoms. What should I do?
Under current conditions, the CDC indicates you may report to work, but you should monitor your health and follow the recommended behaviors for flu prevention.
Although I am well, I am concerned that I may be exposed to illness at work. Can I work from home?
At present, you may take vacation leave or compensatory time, if eligible. If the H1N1 virus becomes widespread, UT System Administration may expand eligibility for telecommuting to more employees (e.g., those who have been employed less than one year), but your job must still be one that can be performed from home.
My child’s school closed due to the flu and I need to stay home with him/her. What should I do?
Telecommuting, if feasible, may be an option depending on the circumstances and supervisor approval. Using personal accrued leave is always an option.
Links & Resources
Brochure (CDC): For persons particularly at risk during flu season
Centers for Disease Control: www.flu.gov
Common Sense for Parents - An article from Health Leader, a publication of UT HSC Houston
Policy Library (UT System Administration)
Texas Education Agency: H1N1 Flu Information Site (school closure information, FAQ, etc.)
UT System Administration Flu Shot Program Information