KU urges students with flu-like symptoms to call, not visit, health center

Kansas University is urging students who contract mild flu-like symptoms to stay home — and that includes staying away from the student health center.

Students are still asked to call 864-9583 to talk with a nurse to assist with home-care instructions, isolation procedures and to answer questions.

The shift in policy reflects evidence that, in general, students reporting flu-like symptoms are reporting mild symptoms that require no medical treatment.

Students with chronic medical conditions and flu-like symptoms are advised to call the same number and make an appointment or come to the center.

KU has been identifying students with flu-like symptoms in response to the expected reoccurrence of the H1N1, or swine flu, virus, and is advising students to wash hands and cough into their sleeves to avoid the spread of the virus.