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You & the Flu

Influenza or the "Flu" refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. Flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to very serious and while most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, certain people may be at high risk for serious complications. This flu season both the seasonal flu and the H1N1(Swine) Flu strains are currently circulating in the United States.

To help guide you through your questions and concerns regarding the flu, we have provided many frequently needed resources in one location.

Resources for Employees

  • The Student Health Center's website has information on H1N1 prevention and treatment options.
  • The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website has up-to-date resources on H1N1 influenza.
  • The University's sick leave, vacation and FMLA policies outline University policies on time off, and many employees can view their available sick and vacation time on myNOVA.
  • The University-sponsored Blue Cross plans will reimburse up to $25 when you receive your flu shot from a source other than your doctor. Use the special Influenza Reimbursement Form.
  • Reimbursement for backup childcare may be an option for employees whose regular daycare or school is closed due to illness.
  • The Employee Assistance Plan has many resources available on a variety of topics including general health and wellness and assistance with child and elder care.
  • Contact a member of the Human Resources Staff with your questions or concerns at 610-519-7900.
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    FAQ's

    What should I do if I develop influenza symptoms?
    If you become ill with flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, runny nose, or vomiting or diarrhea:
    • Contact your primary care provider who will advise you on options for care.
    • Notify your supervisor that you are ill and will not be able to work.
    • Stay home if you are sick until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-reducing agents, such as Advil and Tylenol. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.
    • Try to avoid close contact with other people and avoid social gatherings as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
    If I stay home sick, how will I get paid?
    The pay options that may be available depend upon the nature of your job responsibilities and the extent of your illness. You may be able to use accrued leave including sick and vacation leave, or make up the work on an hour-by-hour basis during the same pay period, with supervisory approval.

    May I bring my child to work with me if my child's daycare provider or school is closed due to an H1N1 influenza outbreak?
    Employees are asked not to bring their children to campus in the interest of protecting your children’s health as well as that of your colleagues. If you need to be home with your children while they are sick or their school or daycare center is closed, you may be able to use accrued leave including sick and vacation. Depending on the nature of your job responsibilities, with supervisory approval, you may be able to make up the work on an hour-by-hour basis during the same pay period, work from home, or take a leave without pay. In addition, Villanova provides coverage for qualified back-up childcare reimbursement. Read more about this benefit.

    Can I be covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) if my spouse or child get sick with H1N1 influenza and I must stay home to care for them?
    Under normal circumstances, a case of the flu is not a serious medical condition under the Family and Medical Leave Act. However, if your spouse or child's illness qualifies as a "serious health condition" as defined by the Family and Medical Leave Act, your situation may qualify for FMLA leave. Learn more about Family and Medical Leave .

    If you have any questions or concerns regarding FMLA or any of the above information, please contact the Human Resources Department at 610-519-7900.