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Health Services

Seasonal Flu Information


Update: Feb. 18, 2013 -- The University's Health Services has seen a continued DECREASE in influenza cases with less than 1 percent of patients demonstrating Influenza Like Illness (ILI) symptoms.

The State of Rhode Island canceled its widespread flu advisory, and if the trend continues URI will drop its "FLU ALERT" next week. Thank you.

Stay Healthy

The following may help to minimize the impact of the flu on the University Community:

  1. Avoid close contact.
    Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Do not share drinks, utensils, cigarettes, etc.
  2. Stay home when you are sick.
    If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Remain out until your temperature returns to normal for 24 hours.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose.
    When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your inside elbow. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
  4. Clean your hands.
    Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
  5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
    Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  6. Practice other good health habits.
    Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Members of the community are advised to visit the following websites for information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the flu:

    What to have on campus

    Students on and off-campus should have these supplies:

    • personal thermometer (non-mercurial)
    • tissues
    • hand soap and alcohol sanitizer
    • disinfectant wipes

    These items are important to your wellbeing and will be especially useful if the flu starts circulating on campus.

Prevention

It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Do not share drinks, utensils, cigarettes, etc.
  • If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Throw used tissues in the trash.person washing hands
  • Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after you sneeze, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  • Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

As this is not a gastrointestinal viral infection similar to the norovirus, intensive cleaning for food facilities (beyond normal cleaning) is not needed.