We are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at ISU-Meridian Health Science Center while working closely with the Central District Health Department to monitor flu conditions.
Here are a few things you can do to help:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
- 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. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; germs are spread this way.
- Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature taken with a thermometer that is equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius. Look for possible signs of fever: if the person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering.
- Stay home if you have flu or flu-like illness 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). Don’t go to class or work.
- Talk with your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or H1N1 (Swine) flu.
- If you are symptomatic, call your health care provider or the Boise State University Health and Wellness Services before going to their office, or call if you have chronic health issues such as asthma, diabetes, emphysema, cancer, heart disease, blood disorders. If you have chest pain or difficulty breathing call or go to the health center or emergency room right away.
The Boise State University Health and Wellness Center will see ISU students as part of a reciprocity agreement between BSU and ISU. ISU students must present a valid ISU student Bengal Card, receipt of current semester fees, and proof of insurance (insurance card) in order to obtain services at BSU. BSU will bill your health insurance as a courtesy to you, but you are ultimately responsible for billable charges such as offices visit charges, medications, laboratory tests, and any other billable services. Please contact Boise State Health and Wellness Services for current estimated prices. BSU accepts checks, cash, or credit cards as payment for services. It is also advisable to check your coverage with your insurance carrier, so you know your financial responsibilities.
The Health and Wellness Center is located at 2103 University Drive on the BSU campus. Metered parking is available.
The phone number is 208-426-1459.
Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If this year’s flu season becomes more severe, we may take the following additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus:
- Allow students, faculty, and staff at higher risk for complications to stay home. These students, faculty, and staff should make this decision in consultation with their health care provider.
- Find ways to increase social distances (the space between people) in classrooms such as moving desks farther apart, leaving empty seats between students, holding outdoor classes, and using distance learning methods.
- Extend the time sick students, faculty, or staff stay home or in their residence. During severe flu conditions sick people should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they feel better sooner. Those who are still sick after 7 days should continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after symptoms have gone away. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Suspend classes. This decision will be made together with local and state public health officials. The length of time classes should be suspended will depend on the goal of suspending classes as well as the severity and extent of illness.
To learn more about H1N1 flu, please visit these websites or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).
If necessary, we will notify you by e-mail or via the ISU-Meridian website of additional changes to our strategy to prevent the spread of flu on our campus.