University of Rochester students, faculty, and staff:
By most indicators, this flu season is projected to be particularly harsh. In fact, current data show that Monroe County is already experiencing flu hospitalization levels comparable to the peaks normally seen in January and February.
We are committed to ensuring that the University of Rochester is a safe and healthy environment where we can all learn, work, study, and succeed. If you are showing symptoms or not feeling well, please stay home when possible or wear a mask to prevent further spread to your colleagues and classmates. If your symptoms persist or feel severe, please contact UHS if you are a student or your primary healthcare provider if you are an employee.
Thankfully, we have effective vaccines against the flu, and COVID, that dramatically reduce the chances of becoming infected or seriously ill, we know that wearing appropriate masks when symptomatic helps reduce the transmission of airborne viruses, and we have medications to mitigate the effects of flu and other respiratory viruses like COVID. Still, it is important to remember that the flu is highly transmissible through touch, so regular hand washing and sanitizing will often help prevent the spread of the disease.
If you have not yet had your annual flu vaccination, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible. UHS will hold flu vaccination clinics for faculty and staff on December 14 and December 16. Availability is limited, so you will need to reserve a time slot. Students can schedule a flu shot through UHSConnect or by calling UHS at (585) 275-2662.
If you are unable to participate in the UHS flu clinics, the University is also partnering with Monroe County and other community members in the Keep Your Holidays Healthy campaign, which helps connect individuals with flu and COVID-19 vaccine providers.
We will continue to monitor this developing situation. Depending on the severity of the flu season and the infection rates for COVID-19 and RSV, there may be additional messages and further guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our community. More information and FAQs about this year’s flu strain are available here.
Sincerely,
David Figlio
Provost and Gordon Fyfe Professor of Economics and Education
Liz Milavec
Executive Vice President for Administration and Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Kathleen Gallucci
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer