To the Mason Community,

As George Mason University begins the spring semester, health care professionals and educational institutions are concerned about the widespread seasonal flu. George Mason administrators continue to monitor this situation and follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials. The best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated. To find locations that have flu vaccine, students can visit www.flu.gov; faculty and staff can visit hr.gmu.edu or www.flu.gov.

To prevent contracting or spreading the flu:

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

If you begin to exhibit flu-like symptoms, such as fever greater than 100°F (38°C), sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, headache, body aches and/or fatigue, you should:

• Take an over-the-counter fever-reducing medication that contains acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil or Motrin), get plenty of rest, and drink clear fluids.
• Prevent spreading the flu by remaining home and avoiding school, work, and other social settings that will place you in close contact with others.
• Remain at home for at least 24 hours after fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medication.

If you experience complications such as chest pain, continuous high fever, dehydration, or confusion, seek medical attention. Students should contact Student Health Services at (703) 993-2831 or another health care facility. Faculty and staff should contact their health care provider if medical attention is needed.

The university will continue to operate normally; all classes, events, and activities will proceed as scheduled. Mason will continue to provide information and updates regarding this public health issue as needed, and we are all looking forward to a safe, healthy, and rewarding semester. For additional information regarding flu and Mason’s guidance and policies regarding this issue, please visit http://respond.gmu.edu.

Useful Information Links:

• Student Health Services: http://shs.gmu.edu
• Student Health Services after-hours information: http://shs.gmu.edu/hours/#emergency
• George Mason University Human Resources and Payroll: http://hr.gmu.edu
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/
• Virginia Department of Health: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/flu/