Flu tips for students and employees

For Students

If you are sick

  1. Notify your head of house, GRT, or RA, so they can check in on you.
  2. Call MIT Health (617-253-4481) to review your symptoms, get advice about taking care of yourself, and discuss whether or not you need to come in to see a clinician. Do not go to class if you are ill.
  3. Call Student Support Services (S^3) at 617-253-4861 to discuss your situation and learn about your options for making up work.

If your roommate is sick

Illnesses can spread quickly in dorms and other living groups, but don't panic. Here's what you can do to stay healthy:

  • Clean your hands. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Don't share towels. Use paper towels after washing your hands, or use a cloth towel that isn't shared with anyone else.
  • Clean common surfaces. Use a standard household disinfectant, and wash your hands after cleaning the area.
  • Be helpful, but safe. Don't be afraid to help out your roommate while they are ill. You can always offer to pick up some Kleenex or drop off a P-set, but try to avoid close contact with your sick roommate.
  • Remind sick roommates to keep their germs to themselves. It's okay to remind a sick roommate (nicely, of course!) to cover coughs and sneezes and to clean their hands frequently (especially after coughing, sneezing, or tossing a used tissue in the trash).

Monitor yourself closely for the development of influenza-like symptoms for seven days after contact with the sick person. If you develop a fever, cough, or sore throat, call MIT Health at 617-253-4481 to report your illness and get advice.

For Employees

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