Flu-like viruses on campus and in Kingston are at normal levels. In the vast majority of cases, symptoms last about a week and medical attention is not needed. University operations have not been affected.

Medical documentation was not required from students who needed to miss an exam in December 2009 due to severe illness. Click here for more details and specific faculty requirements in lieu of medical documentation.

Vaccinations:

The H1N1 shot and the seasonal flu shot are available to students by appointment at Student Health Services. 

Students are encouraged to get immunized against this virus; it's the best way to avoid getting sick.

How to prevent the flu:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren't easily accessible
• Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue (not your hand)
• Keep your hands away from face (eyes, nose, mouth) because that is where the virus "gets in"
• Get an H1N1 shot as well as the annual seasonal flu shot

When you need to seek medical attention:

• If you are having difficulty breathing when you are doing ordinary things
• If you're not feeling better by the end of one week
• If you have a persistent fever (measured with a thermometer) lasting 5 or more day (37.0 Celsius is normal)
• If you are coughing up blood
• If you feel disoriented or confused
• If you start to get better, but then worsen

Where to go for medical care if you need it:

Queen's Health, Counselling and Disabilities Services : Student Health Services is running regular hours.

There is also: Hotel Dieu Hospital - Urgent Care Clinic - Daily 8am - 10pm

Kingston General Hospital - Emergency Department - 24/7

If you are sick:

• Stay home/in your room and limit contact with others until your coughing and/or sneezing subside (usually less than 1 week)
• Contact your instructors to let them know you are ill and how you can make up missed classes and assignments
• If someone can come and pick you up, and it's feasible for you to go home until you feel better, this could be an option
• Get adequate sleep -- 8-10 hours daily
• Drink plenty of water/juice
• Avoid alcohol: it impairs your ability to fight the virus
• If you have no problems with these drugs, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever, muscle aches and headaches (These will help you feel better; they will not make the flu go away)

If your roommate/housemate is sick:

The infection can spread by someone before they show symptoms, so you may have been exposed to the virus already, but to avoid spreading germs further:

• Practice social distancing as much as possible - stay 2-3 metres away from each other if you can
• Wash your hands frequently
• Wipe down common surfaces (door knobs, sink faucets etc) regularly
• Use the kitchen at different times. Sanitize surfaces (counters, fridge handle etc) frequently.

Symptoms:

Sudden onset of:

• fever/chills
• coughing
• muscle aches
• headache

This may be followed by:

• runny nose
• sore throat
• extreme tiredness
• loss of appetite

These symptoms may occasionally be followed by nausea and/or vomiting. Minor symptoms, e.g. fatigue, may last a few weeks.

 

How flu is spread:

• Coughing, sneezing
• Direct contact with people who have the "flu"
• Sharing drinks or food
• Contact with contaminated surfaces, because the virus can live for a short time on doorknobs, railings, towels, etc...