Dining News

Dear Denison Students:

In preparation for the possibility that students will become sick with the flu and need to self-isolate in the residence halls, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all students establish a buddy system to pair up and help care for each other if one or the other becomes ill.

Based on this advice, it is recommended that you plan ahead and identify at least one student who can help with needs like picking up a meal from the dining hall and being sure there is plenty of water available if you are sick in your room and unable to leave to get food or water for yourself.

The Health Center will maintain a list of students who report illness.  Campus and Residential Life and Security and Safety offices will maintain a list of staff and volunteers who can assist you in getting a meal or having water dropped off to your room on a short-term basis if you are self-isolated while recuperating and the student you chose to help you is not available for some reason or is also ill.  These offices will be available to communicate with students on an as-needed basis throughout their recuperation period.

If you have difficulty locating/identifying someone to partner with, you should contact:

·           Quad Residential Service Center (Huffman Hall  740-587-6232 or Curtis Hall 740-587-6757)

·           Office of Campus Safety and Security (740-587-0810)

FAQ regarding Food and Beverages and the Flu (including H1N1 Virus)

·     What if I am too ill to come to the dining hall for a meal but need water or other food items?

 

Ask the student with whom you have partnered for help.  They can speak directly with the managers at either Curtis or Huffman to arrange to pick up food or beverages for you.  To facilitate this service, it is best to call ahead and speak with the manager on duty.  They will get the food/beverage ready to be picked up by your friend so that they can deliver this back to you.

At Curtis, the number is (740) 587-6346, and food and beverages will be available between the hours of 7:00am-7:00pm Monday through Friday and from 8:00 am-6:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

At Huffman, the number is (740)587-6323, and food or beverages will be available between the hours of 7:00am-8:00pm Monday through Friday and from 8:00am-7:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

 

•       What should I eat or drink when I have the flu?

   

When you have the flu, it is more important to remain hydrated than it is to eat…try to ensure you drink clear liquids as long as you can keep them down.  Getting dehydrated is a big concern when fighting the flu.

If you are vomiting, wait at least one hour after the latest occurrence and then attempt to drink around 2 oz. of water.  If the water stays down, continue to drink 2 oz. of water every 15 to 30 minutes.  Once you are no longer vomiting, and are able to keep beverages down, gradually add food to your diet. Start with dry or lightly buttered toast and move on to broth or gelatin as you begin to feel better.

If you are not vomiting, drink as many beverages as you can, including water, tea and sodas in order to keep your body hydrated.  Chicken broth (and other light broth soups) will help make you feel better.

If you are experiencing diarrhea, contact the doctor – many times, bananas, apple juice, applesauce, tea, rice and rice cereals (NO MILK!!) will help you feel better.

As you continue to feel better, eat healthy foods that you enjoy normally, and take it slow.  Allow your body time to heal and rest after an illness.

•        What other foods and beverages will be available for me when I begin to feel better?

Everyday, chicken broth will be a “staple” item that will be available from both Curtis and Huffman.  Gelatin, fruit, and bread are available daily as well. Other menu items (sandwiches, yogurt, soups, etc.) will be listed on our dining web pages, so continue to visit our website for the most up to date menu information.

Important Reminder: Denison’s Health Services is prepared to assist any student who is concerned about his or her influenza symptoms, and we recommend that students who develop typical symptoms contact Health Services at 740-587-6200 to report the illness so that we may determine if further evaluation is necessary, answer questions, and coordinate support services such as meal delivery.  

 

H1N1 Boxed Meals

Breakfast Boxed Meal will include:

Bottle of Water, Bottle of Orange Juice, Bottle of Gatorade, Orange or Apple, Container of Yogurt, Container of Jello, Two slices of bread, Graham Crackers, Package of Oatmeal, Hot Tea Bag

Lunch and Dinner Boxed Meals will include:

Bottle of Water, Bottle of Orange Juice, Bottle of Gatorade, Orange or Apple, Chicken or Vegetable Broth, Ramen Noodles, Container of Yogurt, Container of Jello, Two slices of bread, Crackers, Container of Applesauce

 

Other food and beverage can be provided in the boxes as the student begins to feel better:

Breakfast: boiled eggs, fresh cut fruit, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes

Lunch and Dinner: sandwiches, soups (not just ‘broth’), hot entrees of the day (vegan or vegetarian also), hot sides of the day, pizza, etc.