H1N1 FAQs

Q. Is Chapman sending sick students home?
No, but faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home or in their room until they have been fever-free for 24 hours (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur, but barring any other flu symptoms this cough should not prevent individuals from returning to work or class.

Q. Why are students with the virus not hospitalized?
Generally, those who develop H1N1 flu experience an illness similar to a seasonal flu. Most cases are relatively mild. The vast majority of people with this type of flu recover uneventfully, generally in about three to five days.

Q. What precautions are in place to assist students living in a residence hall with a student diagnosed with flu-like symptoms?
Residence Hall Offices will have surgical masks and bottles of hand sanitizer available to infected students and those who may be in close contact with them.

Q. Can I move to another room if my roommate is sick?
We have extremely limited living spaces on campus.  Also, the CDC reports that the rate of secondary infections in households is 15 to 20 percent.  Students living in residence halls are encouraged to practice good hygiene in order to limit their exposure, including regularly washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.  They should avoid close contact with their roommates.  If you believe you are a high risk because of other medical conditions you may contact Residence Life for a possible temporary assignment until your roommate is well.

Q. Should students attend class if they have the flu?
Students with flu-like symptoms should not go to class.  It is recommended that they remain at home or in their residence hall room until they have been fever-free for 24 hours (and without medication that would lower temperature).  A mild, lingering cough may occur, but barring any other flu symptoms this cough should not prevent individuals from returning to work or class.  They should e-mail their professors to inform them of their illness.

Q. What if faculty and staff experience flu-like symptoms?
Faculty and staff should not come to work if they experience flu-like symptoms.  It is recommended that they remain at home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours (and without medication that would lower temperature).  A mild, lingering cough may occur, but barring any other flu symptoms this cough should not prevent individuals from returning to work or class.  Additional questions should be directed to a supervisor or department chair.

Q. How can sick students living in residence halls get food?
Residence Life and Housing have the sick tray program available to students, which will allow meals from the cafeteria to be delivered.  Please check with your resident director or Office of Housing and Residence halls.

Q. When will flu vaccines be available on campus?
Seasonal flu vaccine will be available at the Student Health Center on September 23rd, 24th, and 25th. There is a $15 dollar charge for students.  Faculty and Staff may also receive the seasonal flu vaccination which is covered as an employee benefit.

It is anticipated that H1N1 flu vaccine will be available free of charge in mid to late October.  In order for us to receive and distribute the vaccine we had to agree that we would distribute the vaccine in accordance with the CDC’s guidelines.  For this reason, the initial availability will be reserved for students who are in the high risk age group of 24 years of age and younger.  As more vaccine becomes available the guidelines may change and we will offer it to faculty and staff should that happen. Currently we encourage all Faculty and Staff, who believe they may be in the higher risk group to consult with their health care provider.  There will me more information sent via e-mail when the vaccine is available.

Q. Is Chapman tracking cases of H1N1 on campus?
We have set up the following website for people at the Orange Campus to anonymously self report https://web.chapman.edu/influenzareporting. This site is intended to collect raw numbers to help the county keep track of cases. It is not intended to track individuals or be a method for individuals to request medical assistance.