Supporting Student Health and Academic Continuity During Flu Season

February 13, 2026

Dear Faculty and Graduate Assistants,

As we enter the peak season for influenza and other respiratory illnesses, we are seeing an increase in students presenting to Pat Walker Health Center (PWHC) and our local community providers with flu-like symptoms and other contagious respiratory conditions. Because of the high volume of respiratory cases, PWHC asks that all non-urgent Primary Care Clinic services be postponed until further notice. Non-urgent requests include elective procedures and routine physical examinations. If unsure, please contact the PWHC triage nurse at 479-575-4451 who will assist with questions.

We are writing to ask for your partnership in supporting student health and academic continuity during this time.

Students who are experiencing fever, significant cough, sore throat, body aches, vomiting, or other symptoms of acute respiratory illness should be encouraged to remain home and avoid attending class until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication) and symptoms are improving. Attending class while ill not only prolongs recovery but also increases the risk of spreading infection to other students and instructors.

We recognize the importance of in-person engagement and academic rigor. At the same time, temporary flexibility during short-term illness can meaningfully reduce transmission across our campus community. When feasible, we ask faculty to:

• Provide reasonable flexibility for short-term absences due to illness
• Avoid requiring in-person medical excuse notes for routine viral illnesses
• Share course materials, recordings, or alternative assignments when possible
• Encourage students to communicate early if they are ill

Student Health does not routinely provide absence notes for uncomplicated viral illnesses, as clinical guidance prioritizes rest, hydration, and isolation over in-person medical visits when symptoms are mild to moderate. Requiring documentation in these cases can unintentionally increase exposure in clinical settings as well as further stress medical resources on our campus and in our region.

We appreciate your partnership in helping keep our campus healthy while supporting student success. If you have questions about current health trends or recommended practices, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to one another.

Sincerely,