Skip to Main Content

Cold & Flu Season

The rain has begun full force in Greater Vancouver which means the start of our Winter season and with it cold and flu season. For everyone studying at FIC in person, we want to make sure you are clear on the expectations for symptom management over the coming months while we work to maintain a healthy and safe environment for staff and students.

If you are heading to bed or waking up and self-assess any of the following symptoms, we require that you do not attend any classes in person or come to FIC to hangout/study. We recognize that this can be difficult to navigate, especially since as an international student as you must maintain 80% attendance to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your study permit.

Please note that it is your responsibility to determine the outcome of missing a class, but we do have supports in place to help when you are sick. If you have a midterm or assignment due and have any of the symptoms below, it is important that you reach out to your instructor BEFORE the deadline and not after.

You can review options on what to do if you are feeling sick and experiencing any of the symptoms below on the Declaration of Illness webpage. Please err on the side of caution as we do not want to spread any form of contagious illness within our community. If you arrive at FIC with visible symptoms, you may be asked to return home by an instructor or staff member.

Please do not come to campus in person if you are experiencing ANY of the following symptoms:

  • sneezing
  • fever
  • hacking cough
  • runny/stuffy nose
  • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • extreme fatigue
  • loss of taste or smell
  • sore throat
  • muscle/body pain
  • headache
  • vomiting/diarrhoea
  • a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
  • red or irritated eyes

Please also consider booking your flu (influenza) shot. Influenza (often called the flu) is an infection of the upper airway caused by an influenza A or B virus. Influenza spreads easily from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or having face-to-face contact. The virus can also spread when a person touches tiny droplets from a cough or sneeze and then touches their eyes, mouth, or nose before washing their hands.

This year, influenza vaccination is free for everyone in B.C six months and older. A BC Services card number (also called a care card or proof of MSP enrollment) is not required to make an immunization appointment at a local health unit. Immunization appointments at a pharmacy or doctor’s office do require a BC Services card number to offer the influenza vaccine.

Find more info to help you consider getting your flu shot:

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to advising or your instructor about what to do based on how you are feeling as we all work through this winter season during a pandemic together. Know that your health and well-being continue to be a top priority for us!

Take your vitamins, wash your hands, and stay warm and dry!

Back to Top