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 apprentice 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.
Attendance requirements related to influenza like illness The Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board (AIT) and SAIT’s standard attendance requirements for apprentices (see SAIT Procedure A.C.3.8.21) allow apprentices to miss up to 18 hours (3 days) of class time without penalty. Apprentices missing more than 18 hours of technical training classes may have their enrollment in technical training terminated.
In light of the unique circumstances presented by a possible H1N1 influenza pandemic, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board (AIT) has stated it will support attendance policies developed by post-secondaries regarding H1N1.
Alberta Health Services is advising a seven-day isolation period. 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.
As a result, apprentices who become ill with influenza-like illness are expected to remain at home until they are symptom-free and feeling well and able to fully participate in all normal day to day school activities.
Consistent with AIT’s policy of consideration of absences due to health reasons, apprentices will not be terminated due to H1N1 for being absent during the seven days of communicability.
What to do if you are ill with flu-like symptoms Confirmation of an H1N1 diagnosis is difficult to obtain, as Alberta Health Services (AHS) has made a decision to suspend testing for H1N1.
Notwithstanding, apprentices 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.
Reporting absence Apprentices should continue to follow SAIT Procedure A.C.3.8.2 relating to attendance requirements for apprentices.
Missing classes and exams Apprentices who become ill with the flu and miss a mid-term exam, project or assignment should contact their course instructor.
Apprentices have the responsibility for making up the missed work. SAIT is committed to working with apprentices on material missed. Where circumstances warrant, SAIT will provide academic accommodations, however apprentices remain responsible for meeting training requirements.
Cancellation of training If training needs to be cancelled apprentices, 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.
Advice 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 apprentices has the flu: If you suspect a fellow apprentice of having the flu, encourage him/her to visit the Health Clinic on SAIT's main campus to be checked out. If the apprentice is found to have a high temperature, he/she will be isolated while arrangements are made to deliver him/her home safely.
What to do if you develop 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.
Report any influenza-related absence as per normal procedures
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 apprentices indicating that the apprentice is fit to return.
Residence students Click here for additional information for students living on campus.
