SAIT is continuing to monitor the impact of seasonal flu and H1N1 in our community in conjunction with Alberta Health Services (AHS). As further information becomes available processes and responses listed here may be adapted accordingly.
The following information is intended to help guide students’ actions through this flu season. If you have additional questions, please submit them to
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. Responses to frequently asked questions will be listed here. Please check back for updates.
How to determine if you have seasonal influenza or H1N1
Confirmation of an H1N1 diagnosis is difficult to obtain, as Alberta Health Services (AHS) has made a decision to suspend testing for H1N1. Notwithstanding, students should stay at home if they have the following symptoms:
Acute onset of a new cough or change in an existing cough, plus one or more of the following:
Fever
Sore throat
Joint pain
Muscle ache
Severe exhaustion
Please note: If your instructor notices that you are showing flu-like symptoms, you may be requested to leave the classroom for further examination by nurses at the Health Clinic on campus.
What to do if you experience flu-like symptoms:
Stay home — do not come to class and avoid public places until you have recovered.
Call Health Link Alberta for advice before visiting a physician’s office, medicentre or accessing an emergency room:
Health Link Alberta: Toll-free 1.866.408.LINK (5465)
Health Link Alberta: In Calgary, call 403.943.LINK (5465)
Practice self-care including avoiding others, coughing into your sleeve, increased hand washing and rest.
Monitor your symptoms and seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen (e.g. shortness of breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness) or if they still persist after seven days.
Isolation period for students experiencing influenza-like symptoms
Influenza can be in incubation for up to four days, however most individuals contract the virus 24 to 48 hours before showing any signs. An untreated previously healthy individual can spread the virus 24 hours prior to, and up to seven days after the onset of symptoms.
You are advised to stay home from class for seven days after your symptoms begin or until you feel well enough to resume normal activities – whichever comes first.
If your symptoms worsen (e.g. shortness of breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness) contact your health-care provider or visit your nearest health-care centre.
Those whose flu symptoms persist after seven days should call Alberta Health Link at 1-866-408-5465 and seek medical attention.
Reporting absence
In line with SAIT’s attendance requirements (see SAIT Procedure A.C.3.8.1), each School at SAIT (e.g. School of Construction, School of Business etc.) sets its own attendance and punctuality requirements, as well as consequences for not complying with those requirements.
Students should continue to follow existing attendance requirements as stipulated by their School. Students who have questions about attendance requirements should contact their School directly.
Missing classes or exams due to seasonal flu or H1N1
Students who become ill with the flu and miss a mid-term exam, project or assignment should contact their course instructor.
Flexibility regarding attendance requirements may be given. Each case will be evaluated on an individual basis. Instructors may choose to expand opportunities to make up tests or other course work.
Students have the responsibility for making up the missed work. Where circumstances warrant, SAIT will provide academic accommodations, however students remain responsible for meeting course requirements.
Cancellation of classes
If classes need to be cancelled students, faculty and staff will be notified.
Cancellation of recreational or athletic activities
Depending on the severity of the flu situation and based upon recommendations from Alberta Health Services, recreational or athletic activities may be cancelled. At this time, there are no plans to cancel SAIT activities because of the H1N1 pandemic. The SAIT community will be informed of any cancellations. If you have been recently in contact with someone with the flu:
Continue with your regular activity, unless you are displaying influenza-like symptoms or unless you have been otherwise advised by your healthcare provider.
Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of influenza illness.
Practice self-care at home and at work/school.
If you develop flu-like symptoms, stay home until the symptoms have been resolved.
Individuals can also call Health Link Alberta at 403-943-LINK (5465) or visit www.healthlinkalberta.ca, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What to do if you suspect one of your fellow students has the flu:
If you suspect a fellow student of having the flu, encourage him/her to visit the Health Clinic on campus to be checked out. If the student is found to have a high temperature, he/she will be isolated while arrangements are made to deliver him/her home safely.
On your return to SAIT
Those returning to campus after suffering from flu are encouraged to go to the Health Clinic on campus to be checked by a nurse to ensure their fever has sufficiently subsided and that they are well enough to return. The campus Health Clinic will issue clearance notes to students indicating that the student is fit to return.
H1N1 vaccination information
According to Health Link Alberta, all people in Alberta that have been here for a minimum of two weeks are able to get the H1N1 vaccine - including international students on short term study.
Albertans are requested to bring their Alberta Health Care (AHC) card and photo identification when they go for their vaccination. If you don't have an AHC card then you need to bring either a Student ID card from an Alberta institution, or a copy of a transportation itinerary, or Letter of Acceptance.
Residence students
Click here for additional information for students living on campus.
