The Flu Season is upon us. You may have some questions about how CNM is addressing any influenza concerns at the college. The following are some frequently asked questions at CNM. If you have additional questions, feel free to call 224-3FLU (3358).

Think you have the flu? Find out if you have cold or flu symptoms here.

How is CNM planning to help keep everyone healthy throughout the flu season?
CNM has many initiatives in place to assist in creating a healthy environment for employees and students. In addition, we are working in partnership with the University of New Mexico and UNM Hospitals to ensure deliver of up-to-date, consistent information.

1. Providing an increased level of cleaning and disinfecting college-wide.

2. Providing disinfecting wipes or gel in all buildings.

3. Installing and refilling all antibacterial hand gel dispensers.

4. Posting hand-washing reminder flyers in all bathrooms.

5. Developing a flu hotline 224-3FLU (3358) that will provide flu information as well as a mechanism for reporting any excessive absences or sick leave.

6. Consistent monitoring of the Center for Disease Control, University of New Mexico Hospital and all state and county epidemiology resources.

If there is an influenza outbreak, will CNM close campus?
Although we do not anticipate the need for closure at this time, CNM is in close contact with the state Department of Health and will follow all the Department of Health Guidelines for influenza reporting as well as if/when to close campuses.

 

If an employee or student is sick, can I send them home?

Supervisors
When a CNM employee comes to work and is obviously ill, he or she should be directed to leave the campus immediately. The incident must be reported to the CNM Flu Hotline at 224-3FLU(3358). The Hotline operators will work with the supervisor to identify specific areas within the employee’s office which will need to be cleaned by the evening custodial crew. The employee must contact his or her supervisor prior to returning to campus.  The supervisor will contact Human Resources and the Flu Hotline to discuss the return to work.

Instructors
When a CNM student comes to class and is obviously ill, he or she should be directed to leave class, go home and consult their physician.   The instructor must contact the Dean of their school and the Dean of Students who will insure the student’s other classes are treated in the same fashion.  In addition, the incident must be reported to the CNM Flu Hotline at 224-3FLU (3358). The Hotline operators will work with the supervisor to identify specific areas within the classroom which will need to be cleaned by the evening custodial crew.  The student will then need to contact the Flu Hotline to discuss returning to classes.

Should I report excessive sicknesses?
If more than 33% of your class or staff you supervise is gone on any given day, please call 224-3FLU (3358).

If I get the swine flu vaccine, will I still have to get the regular flu vaccine?
Yes. The regular flu shot protects you against seasonal influenza viruses that remain in circulation all the time but occur in epidemics every fall and winter. REMEMBER, THE REGULAR FLU VACCINE WILL BE AVAILBLE AS USUAL AND MOST PEOPLE SHOULD GET THIS ANNUAL SHOT. PLEASE TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ON WHAT IS MOST APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS.

Will CNM be providing flu vaccines?
We will have doses of the regular flu shot on-hand and available. At this time we are not certain whether we will receive any H1N1 vaccine. If we do receive any, we will distribute it in accordance with federal and state guidelines. We will be communicating regularly with the CNM community regarding regular and swine flu vaccine availability and guidelines. REMEMBER, TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER TO DISCUSS YOUR OPTIONS.

 

For more information please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Swine Flu site

For local information please visit the New Mexico Department of Health

 

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