May 26, 2009, 3:05 pm
Based on the recommendation of the International Emergency Response Committee (IERC), UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin has lifted the campus advisory on nonessential travel to Mexico. Read more »
Posted in Parent info, Student info, Travel updates
May 14, 2009, 6:05 pm
The UW-Madison International Emergency Resopnse Committee (IERC) is advising all students, faculty and staff traveling outside of the United States to be aware that entry screening procedures for H1N1 influenza are in place in some countries, including China and Japan. Read more »
Posted in Parent info, Student info, Travel updates
May 11, 2009, 4:05 pm
The issue of official commencement handshakes has been in the news recently, with some colleges and universities across the country putting in place additional precautions as a result of H1N1 influenza (swine flu).
UW-Madison recognizes that both “official” handshakes as graduates cross the platform and spontaneous hugs and handshakes are an important part of the celebration of this joyous event.
Posted in Academic updates, Health precautions, Parent info, Student info
May 8, 2009, 4:05 pm
With the recent emergence of H1N1 influenza A in the U.S., University Health Services (UHS) advises taking special precautions whenever students experience an influenza-like-illness (ILI). An ILI is a combination of a fever with either a cough or sore throat and may include other symptoms, such as body aches.
If you think you have a fever, take your temperature with a thermometer. Your healthcare provider needs information about your temperature to evaluate you.
Posted in FAQs, Health precautions, Student info
May 8, 2009, 3:05 pm
Based on the recommendations of the university’s International Emergency Response Committee, Chancellor Biddy Martin is instructing campus units to cancel student programs in Mexico that are scheduled to depart before June 1.
Posted in Parent info, Student info, Travel updates
May 2, 2009, 5:05 pm
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services said Saturday that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed three cases of swine flu in Wisconsin. They are the state’s first confirmed cases of the disease. Two cases are from Milwaukee County, and the third is from Adams County.
The CDC announcement does not trigger any changes to UW-Madison’s normal operations, according to Dr. Sarah Van Orman, executive director of University Health Services (UHS).
Posted in Health precautions
May 1, 2009, 4:05 pm
Influenza spreads from person to person mainly through coughing or sneezing or touching surfaces with flu viruses on them and later touching your hand to your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs can live for a long time (some can live for two hours or more) on surfaces such as doorknobs, desks and tables. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. That would include avoiding common drinking containers.
Posted in Health precautions, Student info
May 1, 2009, 11:05 am
Sarah Van Orman and Craig Roberts addressed student concerns about swine flu on April 30 on WSUM’s “Landmine” talk show. Van Orman is the executive director of University Health Services (UHS), and Craig Roberts is the UHS epidemiologist.
Listen to the show:
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
You can also listen on iTunes U.
Posted in Health precautions, Student info
May 1, 2009, 10:05 am
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently does not recommend facemasks as a protective measure for healthy people in public settings.
UW-Madison will not be distributing facemasks to the campus community. As part of the influenza preparedness plan, the university has stocked sufficient supplies to provide facemasks to individuals whose job duties include tasks for which use of a mask has been recommended by the CDC. Examples include health care workers providing care to sick students and members of the UW Police Department, who may be called upon to transport sick individuals.
Posted in Health precautions
May 1, 2009, 9:05 am
Staying home when you’re sick with the flu is the best thing you can do for your own recovery and to help limit spread of disease to others. As with any illness, students should communicate promptly with their professors if they are going to miss a class, an exam or a deadline due to influenza symptoms.
Please be aware that University Health Services does not generally give medical excuses for acute illness. This long-standing policy resembles those of many other major universities and is consistent with the recommendations of the American College Health Association. Visit the UHS Web site for more information.
See also: Medical absences policy of the Offices of the Dean of Students
Posted in Academic updates, Student info
What You Can Do About the Flu (PDF)
General questions about UW–Madison's response to flu issues? E-mail Pandemic Info Hub for answers.
Need urgent medical advice?
Students: Call UHS at (608) 265-5600
Faculty, staff: Contact your health care provider
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