Procedures For Persons With Flu-Like Symptoms while ON and OFF Campus

13 March, 2020

The World Health Organization describes the common signs of infection as “include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death”. 

It goes on to state that some persons may exhibit all or very few of the symptoms.

The presence of the virus in an individual can only be detected in a laboratory environment.

As the outbreak of the COVID-19 coincides with the traditional “flu season” it can be expected that persons may generally exhibit flu-like symptoms. While this is not necessarily a sign of the presence of the Coronavirus, all persons should take precautions.

Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms - Off Campus

As a guide, national and international health advisory organizations recommend the following:

  • Stay at home when you are ill
  • Avoid physical contact with members of your household
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Cleanse hands after sneezing/coughing
  • If symptoms persist, seek medical attention

Before Attending a Medical Care Facility - Off Campus

Prior to visiting any medical facility, it is recommended that you call ahead and describe your symptoms; so that the necessary preparation can be put in place for your reception. 

Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms - On Campus

If you become concerned about the signs/symptoms being exhibited by a colleague/student, and you believe that they may require medical attention, the following steps are recommended:

  • Avoid physical contact with the individual
  • Arrange for the individual to be placed in an area/space away from the general population. This could be a Sick Bay, an enclosed office/bedroom etc.
  • If the individual chooses to see their personal physician
    • Inform the University Health Centre (Telephone Direct lines: 927 2520, 970 0017; Extensions: 2270, 2370)
    • Facilitate their departure of the Campus
  • If the individual chooses to attend the University Health Centre;
    • Inform the University Health Centre
    • Facilitate the actions given in the guidance provided by the University Health Centre. Depending on the particular situation, arrangements may be made by the University Health Centre and/or the Ministry of Health and Wellness for the transportation of the individual

Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms - Transportation

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has protocols in place for the transportation of suspected cases of COVID-19.

Experiencing Flu-Like Symptoms - Contact

It is to be noted that under any circumstance, an individual may choose to call any of the following, directly:

Information Gathering

For the safety of all concerned, we ask that the following information be collected and recorded:

  • Name
  • ID #
  • Address
  • Contact Number

Additionally, records should be kept of the persons who may have interacted/come in contact with the individual. The Ministry of Health and Wellness/Health care providers will be interested in that list.