H1N1 (Swine Flu) Awareness

Focus on Prevention

The flu season is quickly approaching and Southwestern Illinois College is getting ready to deal with any viruses that may occur in order to help keep students, faculty and staff healthy. SWIC is focusing on prevention according to the guidelines provided by the U.S. Education Department, the Center for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and our local health departments.

The 3 Cs

SWIC is encouraging everyone to “Practice the 3 Cs” – clean your hands, cover your cough or sneeze, and contain your illness. Additionally, hand sanitizer dispensers are being provided at the Belleville, Red Bud and Sam Wolf Granite City campuses as well as Programs and Services for Older Persons and the Alternative Transportation System for those who choose to use them.

Stay Home

To help stop the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, stay home if you have flu or a flu-like illness.  If you come to campus with flu-like symptoms, you may be asked to return home.

Notify Your Instructors

If you need to miss class because you have the flu or a flu-like illness, it is important to notify each of your instructors individually that you will be absent and how long you expect to be out. Find out from your instructors how each wishes to be notified of an absence, such as by telephone or e-mail.  Be sure to stay in touch with your instructors about your assignments and assignment due dates.  You are still responsible for completing the course work, homework or any exams that you miss by the due dates mutually agreed upon by you and your instructor.

When to Come Back

If you have the flu or a flu-like illness, do not return to class for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (above 100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Don’t go to class or work, and please do not bring sick children to a SWIC campus or facility.