Student Health FAQ

How can I prepare for flu season right now?

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is not available, cover coughs or sneezes using your elbow or your shoulder instead of your hands.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Frequently clean your living quarters. If you live together with other students, you should frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, counter tops, faucet handles, and bathroom areas.
Plan to monitor your health by checking for fever and other symptoms of flu.
Talk with your health care provider if you are at higher risk for complications from flu.
Update emergency contact lists.

We also recommended purchasing these items now,
to care for yourself in the event that you become ill:

DIET
Gatorade, Broth, Juice, Popsicles	Crackers, Rice, Bread
SUPPLIES
Inexpensive thermometer, Tissues, Germ Wipes, Face Mask
FOR FEVER
Acetaminophen 325mg -- 25 tablets -- $5.00 or Ibuprofen 200mg -- 25 tablets -- $5.00
FOR COUGH
Robitussin DM -- 1 bottle, or Generic Tussin DM -- 8 oz. bottle $8 - $9	Mucinex DM regular -- box of 14, or Mucinex DM maximum -- box of 14 $10 - $12
FOR CONGESTION
Sudafed from pharmacist -- 30mg tablets -- $8.00

For more information, visit: www.flu.gov

Contact CDC 24 Hours / Every Day:

1 (800) CDC-INFO (232-4636)
TTY:(888) 232-6348
cdcinfo@cdc.gov

What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?
Symptoms of flu include fever or chills AND cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headaches, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
A fever is a temperature (by thermometer) that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. You may have a fever if you feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or you are sweating or shivering.

If you feel any of these symptoms, you will need to take the following actions:
- Plan to self-isolate (stay away from others) in your residence hall room or apartment for at least 24 hours after your fever has passed WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medicine. Do not go to work or school or ride public transportation while ill. The only exception to this would be for medical care or other necessities.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if you sneeze or cough. Immediately throw away used tissue, and immediately clean hands after each sneeze or cough.
- Get plenty of rest. Drink clear fluids to keep from getting dehydrated.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms improve then return with fever and worse cough
What should I do if my roommate is sick?
If your roommate is ill with flu-like symptoms, you can still go about your daily business as usual. However, you need to monitor your health daily and take common sense precautions including washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand cleaners. Limit contact with the sick roommate and try to maintain a distance of 6 feet from him/her. If close contact cannot be avoided, your sick roommate should wear a surgical mask (if tolerable) when he/she is around you and other people. Frequently clean commonly-touched surfaces.
Are students required to leave campus if they become ill?
Columbia College Chicago does not require ill students to leave campus if they develop flu-like illnesses. However, many students may find it more comfortable to return home for that time period to continue their recovery. Whenever possible, students wishing to return home to recover should travel by private vehicle rather than public transportation.

Columbia College Chicago cleans Public areas are daily M-F and as needed on the weekends. However, bathrooms in residence hall apartments and suites are maintained and cleaned by residents, and should be done on a weekly basis. Students are required to keep their living areas and bathrooms clean on an ongoing basis by regularly wiping them down with household disinfectants.
Chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time.

Other recommendations:

Lysol Disinfectant Foam Bathroom Cleaner	Ultra Mr. Clean
Lysol Disinfectant Multi-Purpose Cleaner	Windex Antibacterial Glass & Surface Cleaner
Lysol Pre-Moistened Disinfecting Cleaning Wipes	Tough Act: The Heavy Duty Bathroom Cleaner
Lysol Foaming Disinfectant Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner II	Clorox
Lysol Disinfectant Trigger Spray	Fresh Scent Clorox
Lysol Disinfectant Basin, Tub, & Tile Cleaner Pre-Moistened Wipe	Pine-Sol Household Cleaner Disinfectant
Pine-Sol Spray	Ultra Clorox Bleach
Lysol Disinfectant Bleach Plus	Lysol Hard Water Stain Cleaner
Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner	Mr. Clean Multi-Surfaces Antibacterial