2009-09-29 16:38:13.0
MVCC launches influenza hotline
Mohawk Valley Community College has created a flu hotline (315-792-5389, ext. 4555) for students to self-report suspected cases of the flu. The hotline is intended for use only by MVCC students who are ill with symptoms they suspect may be caused by the flu. It will not provide medical advice or diagnosis, and students should not call this number to seek help in a health emergency. To use the self-reporting service, students should call (315) 792-5389, ext. 4555. They will hear a recording and be asked to leave the following information:
* Name
* "M-number" (a unique numerical identifier for students)
* A brief description of symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, 100+ degree fever, aches and pains, or cough/sore throat
* Expected duration of illness-related absence from school
Students should only call the hotline once. If a student chooses to use the hotline to self-report an anticipated absence from class, the college will inform that student's faculty members of the student's identity and expected duration of absence.
This new system is in response to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State University of New York System, and local health authorities calling for schools and colleges to track the spread of flu. This system does not diagnose flu cases. College officials will use the hotline to look for large changes in the rate at which illnesses are reported.
