In the August 25 editorial "Fight on to beat the flu," the authors stated that students experiencing flu-like symptoms should not seek treatment from Student Health. This is just the opposite from the truth, and dangerously inaccurate.
Students who are feeling flu-like symptoms SHOULD contact Student Health. These symptoms include a fever over 100 degrees, and one or more of the following: cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, unusual fatigue, diarrhea or vomiting. If any student is suffering these symptoms, we recommend that you call Student Health at 681-WELL as a first step. Based on that conversation, we can recommend a course of action, which may include staying where you are, coming to Student Health in person, or another course indicated by the conversation.
For those students who catch the flu, Student Health can help you coordinate your recovery. In addition to addressing the health aspects of the flu, www.duke.edu/flu also has information for students about classroom absences. We recommend you take a look at the site for the latest flu information.
As your editorial states, the university is working on all fronts to address the threat of H1N1. We're all in this together, so take precautions like washing your hands and practicing good sleeping and eating habits to give yourself the best chance of staying healthy. And please, if you do feel ill, call Student Health. That's why we're here.
Bill Purdy, MD, FAAP Executive Director Student Health
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