Why is the H1N1 flu virus still considered a health threat?
At this time the most intense pandemic activity continues to be in a couple of places in the world such as North Africa, Southern Asia and in parts of East and Southeast Europe. Based on this information, the current assessment by the World Health Organization (WHO) is that it remains too early to say that the pandemic is over. For a full PDF transcript of the press conference with Dr. Keiji Fukuda, Special Adviser to the Director-General on Pandemic Influenza, click here. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/vpc_transcript_14_january_10_fukuda.pdf

What should I do if I feel sick?
Stay home. Centennial College students are now required to call our H1N1 illness reporting line at 416-289-5226 if they suspect they have the flu. Students living outside the local calling area can use our new toll-free reporting line at 1-877-406-0205. All absences will be reported to their program areas. This will also help Centennial track the progress of H1N1 so appropriate measures can be taken to protect our students.

Students who report their illness will receive an e-mail in their myCentennial e-mail account with health guidelines and an Academic Accommodation request form to be completed and given to their instructor upon return.

The symptoms of flu are nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose and coughing. Public Health is asking that you stay home and not attend classes, field/clinical, or offsite placements until you are feeling well and fever-free for 24 hours. If your symptoms get worse, call a doctor. You do not need a doctor's note but will be required to complete a flu absence declaration sent automatically to you after you call in to our hotline.

As this situation evolves, students, faculty and staff should be aware that flu guidelines may change, depending upon the nature of the H1N1 virus and recommendations from our community health partners. In the event that conditions do change, different arrangements regarding absenteeism may be put in place. If so, relevant information will immediately be posted at this website. We also encourage you to routinely check myCentennial for updates on H1N1 and college policies.

Are there any precautions or steps I should take?
Good infection prevention measures can help protect you and others against seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. The vast majority of Canadians who contract H1N1 continue to experience mild to moderate illness and recover fully with minimal treatment. However, in some instances people are affected more severely and we are well advised not to become complacent. Everyone must do their part to help prevent the spread of the virus.

You can significantly curb its spread by:

• washing your hands frequently using soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners;
• coughing and sneezing into a tissue (if one is not available use your sleeve or arm rather than your hands to cover your mouth and nose);
• taking the necessary hygiene precautions when supporting others who may be ill with the virus; and,
• staying home when you feel ill.

Currently, Toronto Public Health guidelines have not changed and Centennial College continues to operate normally. Health officials continue to stress that proper hygiene is the best defence against further spread of the virus.

If you feel the onset of flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, sore throat, etc.), you are encouraged to consult a doctor or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 where you will be connected to a Registered Nurse who can assess your condition and the need for further action.

The college's Pandemic Planning Team has been meeting for some time and members continue to monitor Toronto Public Health, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Agency of Canada and World Health Organization websites for new information, and will provide updates to the college community accordingly. The college response will adapt as the pandemic situation evolves.

Here is the link to Centennial's Pandemic Plan, as well as other helpful sites:
www.centennialcollege.ca/influenza.pdf
www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/program/emu/ihn.html
www.toronto.ca/health/cdc/swineflu/swineflu_faq.htm
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/key_facts.htm
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/swine-porcine/faq_rg_swine-eng.php

How can I find out if my classes are cancelled?
If individual classes are cancelled by your instructor, your instructor will make every effort to notify you and in the event of a college-wide or campus closure, information will be posted on the website and recorded on the main college telephone line (416-289-5000). We also encourage you to routinely check myCentennial for updates.

What can I do to be prepared in case I get sick?
It is suggested that, in addition to being sure to check your myCentennial e-mail and any Blackboard sites for your courses regularly, you ask your instructors for information on how you can keep up. It might also help if you and a class buddy exchange numbers, so that if one or the other of you is away, the person in class can help you stay up to date in that class.

What if I have to stay home to take care of family and miss classes or exams?
In this event please review the Centennial Grade Appeals Policy for exceptional circumstances (http://www.centennialcollege.ca/pdf/GradeAppeals.pdf) during pandemics.

Will classes be cancelled? For how long?
It is possible that classes may be postponed or cancelled. The nature of the pandemic will determine whether this occurs and for how long. If all classes are cancelled, information will immediately be posted at this website and on the Centennial College homepage and main telephone number. We also encourage you to routinely check your Centennial e-mail address and myCentennial for updates.

If individual classes are cancelled your instructor will make every effort to notify you. Instructors should have told you how they will communicate with you (normally via Blackboard or e-mail) in the event of a class cancellation.

How will class cancellation affect the course requirements?
If a cancellation requires any changes to the course requirements, as outlined in the course outline that you received on the first day of class, the instructor will notify you of what will be changed. Your instructor will keep to the course outline as much as possible, and will give you as timely notice as possible when assessments and/or deadlines must be changed. They may give you ways to work on the course from a distance.

What will happen if the college decides to close?
College closure alerts will be posted on the college homepage (www.centennialcollege.ca) and the main phone number at 416-289-5000. When the college will reopen will depend on the circumstances surrounding the pandemic and what Public Health determines to be a safe period of time.

What happens if I have to miss a placement, co-op or apprenticeship?
Your School or Department will have policies and procedures in place to deal with issues that arise when students miss placements, co-ops or apprenticeships because of illness. If you are involved in such an activity, be sure to ask your instructor what to do if you become ill.

Will I be refunded if my classes are cancelled or the college closes?
Should classes be postponed or cancelled as a result of H1N1, Centennial will ensure that you are provided with an opportunity to complete the courses that you have started. Should circumstances change as a result of H1N1, special arrangements regarding course withdrawal may be put in place. If so, relevant information will be posted to this website and the homepage.

What if I need to access to Student Services?
Most services and information will continue to be provided online. Should circumstances change as a result of H1N1, any changes to electronic or in-person service (and information) will be posted to www.centennialcollege.ca and myCentennial.

Will the residence close during a pandemic?
Centennial will monitor events and the advice of Public Health officials to determine what changes, if any, are needed in terms of residence operations.
As this situation evolves, students, faculty, and staff should be aware that flu guidelines may change, depending upon the nature of the H1N1 virus and recommendations from our community health partners.

I'm living in residence and I think I have flu-like symptoms? What should I do?
If you have H1N1 flu symptoms you should inform your RA and central desk. If you think you may have the flu, please call your health care provider, or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Where do I go to see a doctor?
There are no medical offices on campus, so please call your family physician or visit the closest walk-in clinic.

Do I require a sick note if an illness results in late assignments or missed tests and/or exams?
Centennial College policy normally requires that students provide documentation for any special academic consideration.

Currently, due to H1N1, students are required if they have a flu like illness to call the H1N1 hotline (416-289-5226) and complete the accommodation form. As this situation evolves, students, faculty and staff, that the situation may change.

Source: Format and certain content courtesy of Ryerson University.