H1N1 Flu Information

October 2009

Dear UW-L Campus Community,

As we enter our heightened flu season, we thought it appropriate to provide a campus update.  We have been coordinating an educational campaign throughout the semester and have a working group that is meeting regularly to help monitor the H1N1 virus and the health of our campus community. 

 The H1N1 vaccination is now limitedly available in the nasal spray form, but is not yet available as a shot.  We planned to host vaccination clinics in October; however, the limited availability does not allow for mass distribution at this time. Those prioritized to receive the nasal spray form include healthy people who:

  • Are 2 - 24 years of age.
  • Are 25-49 years of age and
    • Live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, OR
    • Are health care or emergency medical personnel.

 As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we have prioritized groups to receive the vaccination based on type of work and contact with individuals who are most at risk.  We will be in communication as we have more information on the vaccination.

 We currently are experiencing a spike in influenza-like-illness and our random testing is positive for H1N1.  Therefore we encourage faculty and instructional staff to be flexible with their attendance policies.  Students should continue to contact the Health Center (785-8558) if you are feeling ill.  We encourage students who live on campus and experience flu-like symptoms to go to their permanent home if possible.  Flu-like symptoms include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhea, and/or vomiting. 

Healthy measures you can take to keep yourself and others healthy include:   

  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
  • Avoiding contact with your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread through these routes.
  • Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends staying home for at least 24 hours after your fever ceases without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.  Distance yourself from others as much as possible to prevent the spread of illness.

http://www.uwlax.edu/sdas/h1n1/H1N1-resources.htm

“Be honest, Be Prepared, Be Healthy.”

 Paula M. Knudson, Ph.D.                                                         Brian Allen, D.O.

Assistant Chancellor & Dean of Students                                  Director, Student Health Center