STUDENT RESOURCES: RESIDENTIAL LIVING

Campus Residences, in coordination with University Police Department Office of Emergency Management, Environmental Health and Safety, Student Health Services and the Suffolk County Department of Public Health, prepared the following to help residents understand the current circumstances and educate you on steps to take to reduce your risk of infection. 

We are in full compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control.  Should circumstances warrant a modification in our response to protect our students and campus community, Campus Residences staff will mobilize to make any necessary adjustments to meet the evolving needs associated with this developing situation.

What should I do if I become ill?
If you are sick with the flu, follow these steps to take care of yourself and to keep others healthy.

  • Know the signs and symptoms of flu. Symptoms of flu include fever or chills and cough or sore throat. In addition, symptoms of flu can include runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.
  • Stay home or at your place of residence if you are sick, for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Ask a roommate or friend to check up on you and to bring you food and supplies if needed.  
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Sick people should stay at home or in their residence, except to go to the health care provider's office.
  • Avoid contact with others. If someone is caring for you, wear a mask, if available and tolerable, when they are in the room.
  • Drink plenty of clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, and electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from becoming dehydrated.
  • Contact your health care provider or Student Health Services if you are at higher risk for complications from flu for treatment. People at higher risk for flu complications include children under the age of 5 years, pregnant women, people of any age who have chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people age 65 years and older.
  • Contact a healthcare provider or the Student Health Services if your symptoms are getting worse.
  • If you are having difficulty breathing and need to go to the hospital, contact University Police at 911 from campus phones or (631) 632-3333 from non-campus phones.

The resident staff, including Resident Assistants, Residence Hall Directors, can all be of assistance to those who fall ill while on campus.  They can assist you to connect with campus and community services and resources while you are recovering from flu related symptoms and illnesses. 

If flu conditions become MORE severe, you should contact your health provider for further instructions and consider the following:

  • Extend the time you stay home or at your residence to at least 7 days, even if you feel better sooner. If you are still sick after 7 days, continue to stay home until at least 24 hours after your symptoms have completely gone away.

Are students required to leave campus if they become ill?
You are not required to leave campus. You may choose to go home at any time using a private vehicle. You are strongly discouraged from using public transportation to travel home. 

What should students do if their roommate/suitemate/apartment mate/family member(s) becomes ill?

According to the CDC website, "[Roommates/suitemates/apartment mates/family members] who are well but who have an ill [roommate/suitemate/apartment mate/family member] at home with the flu can go [about their daily business as] usual. These [otherwise well individuals] should monitor their health every day, and take everyday precautions including washing their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective."

It is also strongly suggested that otherwise well individuals should attempt to maintain distance from the sick roommate/suitemate/apartment mate at all times.

Does the University quarantine ill students?

Quarantining sick individuals is not a recommended response residents with flu related illnesses are being advised to self-isolate in their rooms or apartments for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone (fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine) except to get medical care or for other necessities. Self-isolation means limiting movement to your immediate living quarters and bathroom or apartment area unless venturing out of the hall/apartment to seek medical care. 

What cleaning products should students use to sanitize their living space?

According to the CDC website:  "To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.  Several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for a sufficient length of time."