Absenteeism Tracking

To: Wellesley College staff and faculty

From: Pandemic Preparedness Team

Re: Absenteeism Tracking

Date: Sept. 14, 2009

The flu season is upon us. With your help, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, the Wellesley College’s Pandemic Preparedness Team is hoping to track absenteeism to manage the normal operations of the college as well as to determine the extent of flu-like illness.

Managers have been asked to report, in very general terms, all absences related to illness. If you are absent, your manager will report the absence to a central number: 781-283-3474.

The information provided will be numeric only, no names. If you self-disclose that you have flu-like symptoms, that will also be reported. The manager may not ask you your symptoms. If you choose to disclose symptoms, this will allow us to track the number of cases of flu on campus.

Symptoms of flu include abrupt onset of fever and either chills, cough, sore throat or runny nose. In addition, symptoms can include body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea or vomiting.

Employees with flu-like illness should stay home at least 24 hours after fever has fallen below 100 F or 38 C without the aid of fever reducing medication.