Protect Yourself, Family and Co-Workers During Flu Season

Every year when the weather begins turning colder, colds and bacterial/viral illnesses start showing up. First and foremost, we want to maintain a healthy work environment and encourage you to adopt common sense practices to protect the health of our employees, students, customers and visitors.

GCU does not expect employees to work when they are ill, GCU does, however, expect employees to be proactive to help protect yourself, your family and your co-workers.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your elbow or shoulder.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds or use a hand sanitizer, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
• Use disinfectants especially on frequently touched surfaces (.e.g. door knobs, key pads, headsets, handsets, chair arms, appliance handles).
• Be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious food and get plenty of rest.

GCU realizes that employees with contagious temporary illnesses, such as influenza, colds and other viruses need to continue with normal life activities, including working. If you experience a fever or symptoms of a contagious illness, are diagnosed with a contagious illness, or are exposed to a contagious illness refer to the following.

• If you become ill while at work, notify your manager immediately and go home.
• If you become ill at home and will not report to work, contact your manager in a timely manner.
• If you are exposed to family members or friends who appear to have or have been diagnosed with a contagious illness, notify your manager.
• In all cases, you should consult with your health care provider.
• If you are diagnosed with a contagious illness, notify your manager immediately and/or go home or remain at home until you obtain a written release to return to work by your health care provider.
• Prior to returning to work, you must provide the return to work release to Human Resources.
• If you are diagnosed with a contagious illness and you report to work without a release from your health care provider, you will be sent home and must remain at home until you provide the release to return to work.

During this time, unless otherwise notified, our normal attendance and leave policies will remain in place. Individuals who believe they may face particular challenges reporting to work during the cold and flu season should take steps now to develop any necessary contingency plans. For example, employees might want to arrange for alternative sources of childcare should schools close.

Please be aware that buildings and restrooms are sanitized nightly during normal cleaning. Employees should clean their desks and equipment with sanitized wipes on a weekly basis to help minimize the spread of germs. Refer to the Contagious Illness Information Center on the MRC for more information.

The Cooke Health Center has ordered the flu vaccine and anticipates arrival late October or early November. If you do not want to wait until that time, we encourage you to speak to your primary care physician.