UT Tyler has a team of administrators working closely with local health authorities and the State of Texas to monitor H1N1 influenza in East Texas and its impact on UT Tyler. This team also monitors the CDC and WHO for further information about the progression of the flu. We will continue to update this site with news and information as it becomes available.

The following FAQ is being provided as guidance to UT Tyler students, faculty, staff, and parents. If you have questions about UT Tyler's response to the flu, please contact UT Tyler's Office of Student Services at (903) 566-7079.

Why the concern over H1N1?

A strong reoccurrence of H1N1, sometimes incorrectly referred to as "Swine Flu", is forecast for this fall and winter. People who live in close proximity to many others -- like college students in group living situations --  may be at increased risk for H1N1.

How is UT Tyler responding to H1N1?

Right now, UT Tyler is working closely with public health officials and monitoring the campus for any signs of influenza-like illnesses. The University will continue to provide updates on steps to be taken to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff during this time.

What is the current effect on University operations?

There is no immediate impact on the University community, our operations or activities. Updates and new developments will be posted on this web site.

What are faculty, staff and students encouraged to do at this time?

1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20-seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective and are located in many restrooms and offices on campus.
2. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.
3. Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate, friend, or family member to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.

If someone has flu-like symptoms, what should they do?

Students: Students experiencing flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever with cough and/or sore throat) should maintain their distance from others and immediately call the University Health Clinic at (903) 566-0278. If diagnosed with flu or flu-like symptoms, students should:

• If possible, go home and only return to campus 24 hours after fever is gone.
• If the student can not go home they should self-isolate in their dorm room/apartment until they are no longer contagious. The guideline is to remain isolated during illness and for at least 24 hours after the ill person's fever is gone, except to get medical care (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).
• Residence Life staff will provide the student with a mask to wear.
• In all cases, students must contact their professors if they will be out with the flu or extended illness. For assistance with this process, students may call Carol Killingley at (903) 566-7050.

Faculty and Staff: Faculty and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms (i.e. fever with cough and/or sore throat) should not come to work and should self-isolate in their homes until they are no longer contagious. The guideline is to remain isolated during illness and for at least 24 hours after the ill person's fever is gone, except to get medical care (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). Employees feeling sick should notify their supervisor of their absence from work and immediately contact their personal physicians.

It is strongly recommended that anyone who is sick with flu-like symptoms should stay home from school and work.

What does it mean to self-isolate during illness?

Faculty, staff and students diagnosed with flu or flu-like illness should self-isolate in their dorm rooms or homes until they are no longer contagious. The guideline is to remain isolated during illness and for at least 24 hours after the ill person's fever is gone, except to get medical care (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine).

Students who live within driving distance of the University may be asked to return to their homes for the duration of their illness. Students who remain on campus should stay away from others and eat meals in their dorm room (students should make arrangements for friends to deliver meals to their room because students with flu will not be permitted in the dining halls). Residence Life staff will provide the student with a mask to wear while they are ill. In all cases, students must contact their professors if they will be out with the flu or extended illness.

I have flu-like symptoms. Does it mean I have H1N1?

Not necessarily. Flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, and cough) can indicate the regular (seasonal) flu or other conditions. The CDC recommends that students with flu-like illness stay away from classes and limit interactions with other people (called “self-isolation”), except to seek medical care, for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Students should stay away from others during this time period even if they are taking antiviral drugs for treatment of the flu.

Will UT Tyler offer a vaccine for H1N1 to students, faculty, and staff?

Each year UT Tyler offers the seasonal flu vaccine for students, faculty, and staff. The University also expects to be able to offer the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available and consistent with the guidelines developed by the CDC and the Texas Department of State Health Services. Information on vaccine distribution at UT Tyler can be found at the University Health Clinic web site.

Does UT Tyler treat students, faculty and staff who become ill?

UT Tyler students can be treated for illnesses at the University Health Clinic. The Health Clinic has test kits and surveillance kits to identify, monitor and report cases of influenza on campus. Only students with flu-like symptoms will be tested. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use their personal physicians or local hospitals. Additionally, students can seek medical care through their own personal physicians or at local hospitals. If students receive medical care outside the University, they should still notify the University Health Clinic that they have flu-like symptoms.