Student Health Services
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Rider University's Swine Flu Preparedness November 9, 2009 – Like many colleges and universities across the country, Rider has been experiencing flu-like illness among students, faculty and staff since earlier this semester. The good news is that the numbers are still relatively small. As of today, we know of 120 students and 33 faculty and staff across both campuses who have reported flu-like illness since the start of the fall semester. Most have since recovered. Three students have been diagnosed with H1N1 (swine flu). Procedures for dealing with these cases have proceeded as planned. Please refer to the information below for additional information. |
Rider continues to monitor information related to all potential flu strains, including the H1N1 virus (swine flu), and to prepare accordingly. Our preparations reflect the recommendations to date of the Lawrence and Princeton Township Health Departments, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Developments related to swine flu have been evolving, sometimes quite rapidly, since the initial outbreak this spring. We continue to monitor the situation closely with the help of public health officials and update you accordingly via our Web site at www.rider.edu/swineflu. Information is also available at the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu, at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Web site at www.nj.gov/health/h1n1, and via the New Jersey H1N1 hotline at 1-866-321-9571. Pennsylvania residents can find additional information at www.h1n1inpa.com. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources as well.
What can I do to reduce the risk of coming down with the flu?
We encourage all members of our University community to continue the preventive practices recommended by public health officials, such as those listed below, to help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill and stay at home when you are ill.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and dispose of the tissue immediately in the trash. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
What are some common health remedies I should have on hand?
We recommend that students keep on hand common health remedies that can be taken to relieve fever (below 103 degrees), sore throat, minor cuts or scrapes, ear ache, headache, and vomiting, among other conditions students typically deal with each year.
A student health/first aid kit should include pain relievers/fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, thermometer, cough and cold remedies, band-aides, antibiotic ointment, ice/hot pack, and medications for upset stomach or diarrhea. Of course, Student Health Services also has these available for a fee should you run out of a particular item.
Will Rider make the seasonal flu vaccine available to students?
Seasonal flu clinics for students were held on both campuses on October 13. Students who did not receive the vaccine at that time should contact their health care provider about getting the seasonal flu vaccine.
Will Rider make the swine flu vaccine available to students?
A swine flu (H1N1) vaccination clinic will be held for students on Wednesday, November 18. Both the vaccination mist and shot will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at no cost to students at the following times:
- Princeton campus: 9 to 11:30 a.m., Williamson Hall
- Lawrenceville campus: 3 to 7 p.m., SRC seminar room
Note that because of the limited availability of the swine flu vaccine, Maxim Health Systems, our provider, will only administer the vaccine according to the following CDC guidelines:
- All students through the age of 24 are eligible to receive the vaccine.
- Students ages 25 to 64 are also eligible to receive the vaccine if they are
- pregnant, or
- household contacts or caregivers of children younger than 6 months, or
- health care or emergency medical services personnel, or at
- high risk of medical complications from influenza.
Everyone requesting the vaccine will be required to complete a form verifying their status according to these guidelines. In addition, everyone must present a Rider ID.
If there is greater demand than can be accommodated that day, Rider will work with Maxim Health Systems, our provider, to schedule another clinic when additional vaccine becomes available.
How will I know if I have swine flu or seasonal flu?
The CDC is not currently recommending testing. Therefore, you may not necessarily know whether or not you have seasonal or swine flu.
Flu-like symptoms, whether the result of swine flu or another virus, includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with swine flu have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
What should I do if I start experiencing flu-like symptoms?
Commuter students should contact their personal healthcare provider.
Resident students should contact Student Health Services as follows:
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Contact Student Health Services first by phone at (609) 896-5060 (both campuses) before coming in to be seen.
- Weeknights: Treat symptoms using your student health/first aid kit, drink plenty of fluids, and contact Student Health Services as soon as possible the next day during regular business hours at (609) 896-5060 (both campuses). If symptoms are severe, contact Public Safety immediately at (609) 896-5029 after hours.
- Weekends: Contact Public Safety at (609) 896-5029. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, Public Safety will notify the local ambulance squad or appropriate Student Affairs staff. If symptoms are not severe, we will encourage you to go home.
Student Health Services staff will confirm whether or not you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and will make recommendations accordingly.
What if I am confirmed to have the flu?
If you are confirmed to have the flu, whether seasonal or swine flu, stay or return home, take care of yourself, and do not return to Rider for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine. This is based on current CDC guidelines.
If you are a resident student, Student Affairs will work with you in arranging to return home should you become ill. As is the case with any illness related absence, you are responsible for notifying your professors in order to arrange for completion of your academic requirements. We also recommend that you contact the Dean of Students office at (609) 896-5101 so that we can report your illness to your professors as necessary.
If you are a resident student who lives too far from either of our two campuses to return home, Rider will provide care in separate facilities on the Lawrenceville campus. This is to help prevent the spread of illness. Medical and other assistance will be available in these areas with the help of a contracted nursing service and Student Affairs staff. Princeton students will be transported by Public Safety to the Lawrenceville campus where there will be sufficient room to accommodate them.
What if I am at risk for flu complications?
As per CDC recommendations, contact your healthcare provider if you think you may be at risk for flu complications. Your healthcare provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed. Additionally, we recommend that you contact the Dean of Students office or Student Health Services to make them aware of your particular circumstances.
What if I have additional questions?
Contact Student Health Services at x5060 or the Dean of Students office at x5101.
Rider University Student Health Services serves the health care needs of all full-time undergraduate resident and commuter students, regardless of insurance choice. Health services are also provided to part-time undergraduate (CCS), and full and part-time graduate students who have purchased the Group Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Program. The university maintains clinics on both campuses. The Health Center on the Lawrenceville campus is located in the Poyda residence hall. The Health Office on the Princeton campus is located on the first floor of Taylor Hall.
More Information
Student Health Services provides the following services:
- Treatment of Illnesses or Injury
- Allergy injections
- Blood Pressure Counseling
- Crutches
- Health Education
- Health and Nutrition Counseling
- Immunizations
- Inhalation therapy
- Laboratory Testing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Pregnancy Testing and Counseling
- Reproductive Health and Prevention
- Smoking Cessation
- STI Treatment and Testing
- Tuberculosis Screening
- Women’s Health Services
Confidentiality Statement and Release of Records
Individual health records are maintained for students who utilize the Health Center. Health Services staff recognizes that all records are confidential, and will not be released to anyone without written permission from the student.
- Download the release form now!
Have questions? - We're here to help
Call, e-mail or visit at:
609-896-5060 / wwwhealthctr@rider.edu / First floor of Poyda C Residence Hall, Lawrenceville Campus
609-921-7100 ext. 8222/ Taylor Hall, Princeton Campus
