WDT Responds to H1N1
FREE H1N1 shot clinic November 19! Click for details.With the approaching flu season, WDT would like to offer the following recommendations for students, faculty and staff.
We anticipate that some of our campus community will contract the seasonal flu or H1N1. At this time, the H1N1 virus does not appear to be more severe, or less severe, than the seasonal flu. However, if you have specific questions based on your medical history, you should consult your personal physician.
WDT will follow the guidance of the CDC as we enter into the seasonal flu, and anticipated H1N1 outbreak, season. The WDT community will be notified of any policy changes via campus e-mail and through the web-site located at www.wdt.edu. Any changes in campus policy will be guided by the CDC, WDT administration and SD Department of Education.
Faculty set attendance for their courses. Attendance requirements are listed on the course syllabus. WDT administration does not intend to mandate specific changes to the instructor’s attendance policies for students that contract the H1N1 virus and/or seasonal flu. However, faculty are encouraged to give consideration to students that find themselves missing class due to the H1N1 virus. That may include waiving specific attendance requirements, posting an incomplete grade, allowing students to make-up quizzes and exams and/or accepting assignments electronically.
WDT will not notify the campus community every time a student, faculty or staff member becomes ill with H1N1. However, this guideline may change based on recommendation for the CDC, SD Department of Health or SD Department of Education. WDT does plan to offer a seasonal flu, and as a vaccine becomes available, H1N1 vaccine clinic.
The following guidelines are offered as prevention and good hygiene practice for members of the WDT community.
Wash your hands often. This is one of the most effective prevention measure you can take the stop the spread of disease. Hand sanitizer is available at various locations throughout the campus. If you carry your own hand sanitizer, please be sure it contains at least 60% isopropyl alcohol.
Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. The seasonal flu and H1N1 are spread through droplets excreted by an infected person.
If you are ill, stay home. If you have a fever of 100 degrees or higher, you should remain at home for at least 24 hours after the fever breaks.
If you have specific questions regarding your personal health, please work with your health care provider.
The following sites are offered as a resource so you can stay informed as the seasonal flu and H1N1 season approaches.