What will happen if I get the flu?

There are a number of different circumstances that may occur when students have influenza-like illness (ILI). We've broken them down here for better understanding.

If you have an underlying health condition like cancer, blood disorders, asthma or lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, neurological diseases, or are pregnant, please let Student Health Services know right away if you become sick with ILI.

If you call Student Health Services with flu symptoms and are diagnosed with ILI during a phone visit or at an outside health care facility, the following will occur:

  • If you need transport to the office, our nurses can arrange a taxi ride for you to SHS. If you need to come to SHS to be seen but are too sick to leave your room, an ambulance may be called to transport you to a hospital.
  • At SHS, our nurses or providers will recommend that you isolate yourself at home.
  • We will recommend self-care interventions to help you get through the illness. Most students are treated with fever reducers, fluids, and rest.
  • If your permanent home is nearby and you can get there via nonpublic transportation, you will be asked to go home to recover.
  • If you live on campus,
    • We will alert Residence Life and they will work with the Housing office to relocate you and/or your roommate(s) to allow you to be isolated. This process will require several phone conversations with Residence Life staff or Housing to complete.
    • Isolation may occur either in your current room or another room on campus (again, for you or your roommate). No specific University residence hall is reserved for ill students.
    • Isolation rooms are not equipped with bedding, pillows, etc. Please be sure to gather your "comfort stuff," your laptop, and any other needed items to take with you to the room where you are relocated. Your "flu buddy," a friend or roommate, may need to help you transport these belongings.
    • Your "flu buddy" will be asked to assist you with getting your meals delivered to your room, to check in on you periodically, and to be a general help if you need something outside of your room.
    • Residence Life staff or your "flu buddy" will get you some simple supplies (face masks, thermometer, information) to help you through your isolation.
  • If you live off campus,
    • You will be asked to isolate yourself in your off-campus apartment or other housing.
    • Your friends or roommates will need to help you by bringing you food and fluids, checking in on you, and helping out if you need anything.

If you visit SHS and are diagnosed with ILI,

  • We will recommend self-care interventions to help you get through the illness. Most students are treated with fever reducers, fluids, and rest.
  • You will be given a flu kit with face masks, thermometer, and information.
  • You may be sent back to your residence hall in a taxicab with a mask on to prevent transmission.
  • The other steps in the process are the same as above.
How will I get food and fluids when I am ill?
  • If you live on campus and have a meal plan, you can order meals online at www.bu.edu/dining/residence/rhetty.
  • Your "flu buddy" can pick up and deliver these to you in your room.
  • If you live off campus, we recommend that a friend or roommate bring you food and fluids from the store. Alternatively, you can try one of the grocery delivery services, e.g., www.peapod.com.
How will I keep from infecting others?
  • You will be asked to stay away from campus and in isolation until 24 hours after your fever has resolved (without the use of fever reducers in the fever-free time).
  • If you must interact with others, wear a face mask at all times. This should happen even when you need to leave your room to use the bathroom.
  • Cough into your sleeve or a tissue.
  • Carefully wash or clean your hands frequently.
  • Clean "high-touch" surfaces, e.g., keyboards and doorknobs, with household cleaner, such as Clorox wipes. If your things become soiled with vomit or other bodily secretions, place them in a plastic bag until you can either dispose of or clean them.
What if I miss schoolwork while I am out sick?
  • Let your instructors know that you are ill with ILI via email.
  • Faculty has been asked to allow leniency in deadlines and missed work during this time when many students will need to be isolated. Communication with your instructors is important.
  • Official "notes" will not be given for missed class or assignments. Students are responsible for communicating directly with faculty.