Faculty and Staff

ILI Absenteeism Report

What should I do if I think I am sick with the flu virus?

You should self-isolate, which means staying home and limiting contact with others including avoiding travel and not going to work or school, for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (as measured without the use of fever-reducing medicine).

Treat mild symptoms as you normally would with rest and fluids. This will decrease the chance of spreading the virus to other people. Individuals can call HealthLink BC 8-1-1 or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week if they have questions or concerns, or if they are feeling ill.

It is expected that most people will recover from the flu without needing medical care. In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
• flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.

Do I need to advise other employees or students of a possible influenza exposure in the classroom or workplace?

No. Advise only department administration and/or direct managers/supervisors in this situation. The need for wider notification will be assessed by the University in conjunction with Vancouver Coastal Health and/or Interior Health.

What are the responsibilities of all faculty members?

All faculty members are asked to:

• Support students who require special accommodation due to influenza  illness, including options for completing course requirements.
• Provide information to students on where they can obtain resources and support.
• Advise department administration of any influenza-like-illness (ILI) related absenteeism.
• Follow recommendations provided by the Vancouver Coastal Health and/or Interior Health and the University to help stop the spread of infection.
• Monitor www.ubc.ca or www.ubc.ca/okanagan for the latest official information on influenza at UBC.
• Stay at home if you are sick. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]) without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Advise your manager, supervisor or department administration if you are staying home due to a possible ILI. Information relating to any individual’s medical status is to remain confidential and kept to a need-to-know basis.
• Develop strategies for business and program continuity in anticipation of high absenteeism.
• Have a personal preparedness plan should you or a family member become ill.

**Note that the University is not requiring a medical certificate for ILI absences except under compelling circumstances.**

What are the responsibilities of all managers/administrators?

All managers/administrators are asked to:

• Assist the university by promoting infection control practices recommended by the University to your staff.
• Support your staff and provide accommodation to those who are absent due to illness or acting as a caregiver for an ill family member.
• Monitor, track and report all ILI related absenteeism to Human Resources.
• Develop or review your unit’s business continuity plans by identifying critical functions,resources and determining minimum staffing levels to maintain operations. Contact Health, Safety and Environment for more information.
• Consider training additional staff to perform key functions should there be high absenteeism in your department.
• Follow recommendations provided by the Vancouver Coastal Health and/or Interior Health and the University to help stop the spread of infection.
• Stay at home if you are sick. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]) without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Advise your manager, supervisor or department administration if you are staying home due to a possible ILI. Information relating to any individual’s medical status is to remain confidential and kept to a need-to-know basis.
• Have a personal preparedness plan should you or a family member become ill.

What are the responsibilities of all staff members?

All staff members are asked to:

• Remain flexible in your job function and responsibilities.
• Advise your supervisor if you are experiencing or are caring for someone with ILI.
• Follow recommendations provided by the Vancouver Coastal Health and/or Interior Health and the University to help stop the spread of infection.
• Monitor www.ubc.ca or www.ubc.ca/okanagan for the latest official information on ILI at UBC.
• Stay at home if you are sick. Remain at home until at least 24 hours after you are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]) without the use of fever-reducing medications.
• Advise your manager, supervisor or department administration if you are staying home due to a possible ILI. Information relating to any individual’s medical status is to remain confidential and kept to a need-to-know basis.
• Have a personal preparedness plan should you or a family member become ill.