Mason Safety Bulletins

• Fever > 100° Fahrenheit
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Cough
• Headache
• Body aches and/or fatigue

One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. Students, faculty, and staff may receive the seasonal influenza vaccine from their primary health care provider or regional flu clinics.

Human Resources and Payroll will offer seasonal flu shots to faculty and staff who are enrolled in COVA Care, COVA HDHP, and Kaiser Permanente. For more information please click HERE.

George Mason University will distribute information about how to receive the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. H1N1 Vaccines are expected to be available to high risk groups (e.g. pregnant women, emergency personnel, and health care providers) by mid-November.

Another simple way to prevent contracting or spreading influenza is to exercise good personal hygiene and avoid contact with others if you become ill:

1. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
4. Avoid close contact with people if who are sick.
5. Stay home when you are sick and avoid public or social settings.
6. Practice good health habits; Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

If you begin to exhibit flu like symptoms; fever greater than 100° Fahrenheit, sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, headache, body aches and/or fatigue, you should take Tylenol (acetaminophen), get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids. To prevent spreading H1N1, avoid school, work, and other social settings that will place you in close contact with others. You should remain at home or in your residence hall and limit your contact with others for the duration of your illness and 24-hours after your last symptoms of illness abate. If you experience complications such as chest pain, continuous high fever, dehydration, or confusion, seek medical attention at Student Health Services if you are a student; employees should contact their personal health care provider.

Current residential and non-residential students who exhibit flu symptoms should contact Student Health Services for guidance and evaluation 703-993-2831. For information on Student Health Clinic locations, hours of operations, Student Health Services please visit the Student Health Services website. When Student Health Services is not open, please see after-hours options.

Faculty and staff who exhibit flu symptoms should contact their health care provider, contact their supervisor, and remain at home. Supervisors should report all instances of employee absences due to flu like symptoms to the Human Resources Benefits Administrator 703-993-2600 in order to assist the university in tracking potential cases of H1N1 Influenza. Sick leave must be taken for the duration of the employee's absence. In the event that the Governor declares a Communicable Disease Public Health Emergency, the Public Health Emergency Leave Policy may be partially or fully implemented.

• Virginia Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• Flu.gov

• Keep Mason Nation Healthy: Six Tips for Preventing the Flu at Mason
• Cover Your Cough