As we celebrate the beginning of a new school year in a season when the threat of illness is a nationwide concern, we want to assure you that Lipscomb University is working to provide a safe and healthy semester for our employees.

 

We value the health and welfare of all our employees not only as it relates to the current H1N1 threat, but also in all issues related to employee safety including the upcoming annual influenza season. Even before the H1N1 crisis arose, a team representing various areas of campus developed a plan to address circumstances such as the current situation.

 

We encourage all faculty and staff to be mindful of the steps below that can help reduce the risk that you and your family members have in getting the flu. 

 

·       Wash your hands with soap and water (Hand sanitizers are located throughout the campus for your use).

o   Before leaving the restroom

o   Before eating

o   After coughing and sneezing

o   After working out

·       Get plenty of rest

·       Don’t eat or drink after other people

·       Use clean towels and don’t share them with others

·       Limit unnecessary contact to your eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs

·       Get a flu shot

 

Our Health Center will have additional information regarding the distribution of flu shots very soon. We encourage all of our employees to get a flu shot either at our Health Center or a local physician’s office.

 

In the event that you become ill with the flu, we encourage you to stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (without the use of fever-reducing medication) as recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Staff members should notify their immediate supervisor as soon as possible when they will be absent due to their own or their family member’s illness. Faculty should report to their department chair. Supervisors of faculty and staff should notify the Human Resources Department to provide information about the number of employees out with flu related absences.