Campus announces flu precautions

With students heading back to Amherst for the start of classes next week, the campus is taking preventive measures to manage further outbreaks of the flu.

Dr. Alan Calhoun, director of University Health Services, in an e-mail message sent to students Monday said, “Before returning to campus, please get a flu vaccination since it can take up to two weeks for it to build up your body’s defenses. See your local healthcare provider, go to a community clinic or stop by one of the many retailers offering flu vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control website includes a vaccine finder tool at www.flu.gov.”

Calhoun also said, “If you are already suffering from the flu, please stay home and recover before returning to campus. If you are unable to attend classes at the start of the semester, please contact your professors who will provide reasonable assistance in making up missed class work. For students living on campus, contact Residential Life Student Services to request a late arrival at living@umass.edu. This should be done if you are unable to check in prior to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22.  You will receive a confirmation reply and additional information on how to check in upon your arrival.”

For those unable to get a vaccination at home, University Health Services has a limited supply of vaccine that it will offer at specific times to students and other UHS patients. Details about these walk-in flu clinics and other information to combat seasonal flu can be found at www.umass.edu/uhs. Flu-season supplies are available for purchase at the UHS pharmacy.