Supporting Sick Students
Being sick stinks, whether it's the H1N1 flu, a stomach virus or a bad cold. And the season of sniffles is now upon us. There are some things you can do to help make students' sickbeds not quite so miserable, though:

• Make Sick-Packs. Include items such as a package of tissues, a can of soup, cough drops, some teabags, a magazine and Vitamin C drops, along with anything you know helps to make your student feel better.
  
• Be Proactive. Encourage hand washing, sneezing into the elbow, disinfecting doorknobs and light switches, keeping their room clean and more.
  
• Encourage Academic Follow-Through. Students who are sick may wonder if they can miss class or postpone assignments as a result. Encourage them to talk with their professors and their academic advisors to find out what's possible so they're not putting themselves in hot water.
  
• Push the Health Center. Sick students don't just need to suffer—the health center is there for them to use. So, strongly suggest that they get assistance—and possibly a prescription—to help their illness go away sooner rather than later.
  
• Keep in Touch. When we're sick, we often crave the comforts of home. If your student is away, keep in touch and check in to let him know he's not alone.