March 9th, 2010
Don’t let influenza spoil your plans for Spring Break
Although flu activity has declined in recent weeks, 2009 H1N1 Influenza viruses continue to spread in the United States and abroad, causing illness, hospitalizations and even deaths. Recently, several colleges and universities have reported increased influenza activity on their campuses. Flu activity is difficult to predict, but experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expect that flu activity — caused by 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses — will continue for weeks, and parts of the world may even see big outbreaks. This season the 2009 H1N1 virus has hit young adults especially hard in terms of illness, as most young people do not have immunity to the virus. For these reasons, the CDC and the American College Health Association (ACHA) continue to encourage all students, faculty and staff at universities and colleges to protect themselves against 2009 H1N1 by getting vaccinated. In the spring of 2009, we saw the spread of 2009 H1N1 result in a lot of illness following travel associated with “Spring Break.” With the 2010 “Spring Break” coming up and large numbers of students expected to travel both domestically and internationally, getting vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 influenza is especially important.
The 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is readily available both on and off campus at school health clinics, doctor’s offices, state and local health departments and many pharmacies. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against 2009 H1N1 flu. And this protection is especially important if you have a health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy and other conditions that increase your risk of serious flu-related complications or hospitalization.
In addition to getting vaccinated, you can also take the following steps to help protect you from getting or spreading the flu and other illnesses while you’re on break:
Talk to your health care providernot only about 2009 H1N1, but also other recommended, routine vaccinations you may need if traveling, especially overseas.
Visit the CDC’s Travelers’ Health website (www.cdc.gov/travel) for more information and healthy travel recommendations to prevent influenza and other illnesses during travel. You can also find special information about spring break travel.
Stay away from people who appear sick or are coughing or sneezing. The main way the flue spreads is through the droplets of coughs and sneezes.
Practice good hygieneby washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. If soap and water is not available, alcohol-based hand rubs are useful.
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
Wash your hands often.
Don’t share drinking glasses or utensils– avoid drinking beverages mixed in a common container or eating after others.
Stay home (or away from others) if you are sickfor 24 hours after your fever is gone to prevent others from getting sick too.
Spring Break is a time for rest, relaxation and fun with friends and family. Take the opportunity to get vaccinated before leaving for Spring Break and protect yourself, friends and family against 2009 H1N1 flu. Don’t let influenza spoil your plans — get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1.
CONFUSED ABOUT SEASONAL FLU AND H1N1?Basic Information:
- Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads from person-to-person and can cause mild to severe illness. In some cases, it can cause serious complications and even death. Flu viruses can cause illness in people of any age group.
- “Seasonal flu” is the term used to describe the influenza viruses that come around annually. Each year, a somewhat different form of influenza virus occurs. In the United States, outbreaks of seasonal flu usually happen during the fall through early spring. People most likely to get seasonal flu are young children and those age 65 and older, because their immune systems are not strong enough to ward off the virus. People most at risk for serious complications if they catch the flu are those 65 and older, children under age 2, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases such as diabetes or asthma.
- H1N1 is a new influenza virus which has become pandemic, that is, it has spread to a large number of people in many areas of the world. Because it is a new virus, many young people have no immunity to it. However, those aged 25 and over in good health may have some immunity because a similar virus spread widely many years ago. Therefore, people most likely to get H1N1 are young children, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions, and (different from seasonal flu) young people through age 24. The groups at risk for complications are the same as for seasonal flu, but people age 65 and older are not likely to catch H1N1.
Symptoms:
All types of flu can cause fever, coughing and/or sore throat, runny or stuff nose, headaches and/or body aches, chills, and fatigue. The symptoms for H1N1 are the same as for seasonal flu, but may be more severe. In addition to the above symptoms, a number of H1N1 flu cases have included vomiting and diarrhea.
Vaccination:
Seasonal flu: The vaccines to prevent seasonal flu are developed each year to respond to changes in the virus. There is usually an adequate supply of vaccine, so everyone, especially those in high risk groups and their caretakers, should plan on an annual vaccination. H1N1: An immunization for seasonal flu will not provide protection against H1N1 because it is a different virus. There is now an adequate supply of the H1N1 vaccine, so everyone, especially those in high risk groups and their caretakers, should plan on an H1N1 vaccination.
Where to get vaccinated:
The SHC has also received Seasonal and H1N1 flu vaccine available while supplies last.
What: H1N1 and Seasonal flu Clinics
When: Daily during normal business hours (7:00am – 5:00pm)
Where: Student Health Center
Who: Any person 10 years of age and older
What to bring: All persons must have a SU picture ID or be escorted with an individual with SU ID.
Cost: $5.00 cash or check for H1N1 and $15.00 cash or check for seasonal flu
February 9, 2010
The Student Health Center (SHC) and College of Nursing (CON) will be conducting a flu vaccination clinic in the Student Center. The Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu vaccine will be available for any person who wishes to be vaccinated. The SHC and CON will also vaccinate family members and partners of SU faculty, students or staff. Individuals participating in the Fitness Challenge can earn up to 2 points for each vaccine and if they have been previously vaccinated they can already claim 2 points.
What: H1N1 and Seasonal flu Clinics
When: Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Student Center, Hearth
Who: Any person 10 years of age and older
What to bring: All persons must have a SU picture ID or be escorted with an individual with SU ID.
Cost: $5 cash or check for H1N1 and $15 cash or check for seasonal flu
If you miss this opportunity to get vaccinated, you can come to the SHC during normal business hours for vaccination and still earn Fitness Challenge points.
December 4, 2009 The SU Student Health Center will be conducting H1N1 flu vaccination clinics daily in the following locations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and King County Public Health guidelines for dispensing the vaccine to priority groups is still in effect. As soon as we can open up the vaccine to the other individuals we will send out an email
What: H1N1 Vaccine Clinic
When & Where: weekdays only
- December 4th 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Student Health Center
- December 7th 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Student Health Center
- December 8th 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Campion Hall
- December 9th 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Student Center, main floor
- December 10th 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Bellarmine Hall
- December 11 th - 23rd 7:00 am - 5:00 pm Student Health Center
Who: Only SU students, faculty, and staff in these categories are eligible at this time to receive vaccines from the clinic.
- Healthy persons up to age 24
- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel (Anyone with patient contact and first responders to emergencies)
- Pregnant women
- Persons ages 18 through 64 years old who are at higher risk for severe H1N1 disease because of chronic health conditions (such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or brain/nervous system disorders) or serious immune system problems
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
What to bring: All persons must have a SU ID and ID with date of birth
Cost: $5.00 cash or check
Seattle University continues to plan for broader based H1N1 vaccine clinics when the vaccine supply increases. These clinics most likely will occur later in the month of December and January.
November 23., 2009
The Student Health Center will conduct a vaccine clinic on Monday, November 23rd of both the Injectable 2009 H1N1 Influenza Inactivated Vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 Live Attenuated Intranasal Vaccine (LAIV). We will vaccinate all Seattle University individuals who are approved for the H1N1 LAIV. LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions. We will vaccinate only high risk individuals with the injectable 2009 H1N1 influenza inactivated vaccine.
What: H1N1 Vaccine Clinic
When: November 23, 2009, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Bellarmine Hall Lobby (building map)
Who:
2009 H1N1 Live Attenuated Intranasal Vaccine (LAIV).
Healthy people ages 2 - 49 years (only SU employees and students, not family members)
2009 Injectable H1N1 Influenza Inactivated Vaccine
• pregnant women
• people 6 months through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions
that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
(only SU employee and students, not family members)
What to bring: All persons must have a SU picture ID.
Cost: $5.00 cash or check
Seattle University continues to plan for broader based H1N1 vaccine clinics when the vaccine supply increases. These clinics most likely will occur later in the month of November and into December. Please visit the SU Flu website for updates.
November 19, 2009
Subject line: 2009 H1N1 Live Attenuated Intranasal Vaccine (LAIV) Availability
The Student Health Center has received another supply of the 2009 H1N1 Live Attenuated Intranasal Vaccine (LAIV) and will conduct a clinic tomorrow while supplies last. We will vaccinate all Seattle University individuals who are approved for the H1N1 LAIV. LAIV is approved for people from 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant and do not have certain health conditions.
What: H1N1 LAIV Clinic
When: November 20, 2009, 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Bellarmine Hall Lobby (building map)
Who: Healthy people ages 2 - 49 years
What to bring: All persons must have a SU picture ID.
Cost: $5.00 cash or check
We will be receiving more injectable 2009 H1N1 Influenza Inactivated Vaccine in the next seven days and will have a clinic for individuals who cannot receive the H1N1 LAIV. Please visit the SU Flu website for updates.
Seattle University continues to plan for broader based H1N1 vaccine clinics when the vaccine supply increases. These clinics most likely will occur later in the month of November and into December.
November 12, 2009
The Student Health Center has received a second limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. The CDC has given specific guidance on what groups should currently be vaccinated with the H1N1 vaccine. We are following these guidelines. Please note that the CDC is not currently advising the H1N1 for persons age 65 years and older. This vaccine clinic is targeting SU health care students, faculty and staff. If you cannot make this clinic do not panic; there will be more clinics.
There may be community sites at which the H1N1 vaccine is available. Please see the Public Health-Seattle & King County website for more information.
What: H1N1 Vaccine Clinic
When: November 12, 2009, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and if vaccines is still available
November 13, 2009, 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Bellarmine Hall Lobby (building map)
Who:
- Currently enrolled Health Care students
- Students, Staff and Faculty who are:
What to bring: All persons must have a SU picture ID.
Cost: $5.00 cash or check
As vaccine supply increases, we will expand this list above to include more of the CDC’s recommended target groups. We anticipate another shipment of vaccine in the next 7 to 10 days and will update the priority list on the SU Flu website at that time.
Seattle University continues to plan for broader based H1N1 vaccine clinics when the vaccine supply increases. These clinics most likely will occur later in the month of November.
Update: 11/09/09
The Seattle University Student Health Center is currently out of stock of the H1N1 flu and seasonal vaccines. As soon as we receive more supplies, we will post an announcement to the campus. Otherwise, you can try to obtain the H1N1 flu vaccine either at your primary care provider’s office or at participating pharmacies in the Seattle area. For a list of pharmacies, please visit: http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/locations.aspx
Update: 11/06/09
The Student Health Center has received a very limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. The first week we are prioritizing SU health care (nursing and diagnostic ultrasound) students, staff, or faculty who currently are working with patients and have a valid SU ID. We are also giving priority to residential students who meet high risk criteria for initial vaccination as they meet the CDC guidelines to vaccinate all people from 6 months through 24 years of age.
As vaccine supply increases, we will expand this list above to include more of the CDC’s recommended target groups. We anticipate another shipment of vaccine in the next 7 to 10 days and will update the priority list on the SU Flu website at that time.
Seattle University continues to plan for broader based H1N1 vaccine clinics when the vaccine supply increases. These clinics most likely will occur later in the month of November.
Update: 11/03/09
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:
I want to provide information on what we are seeing so far this quarter regarding H1N1 rates of occurrence and vaccine availability. Thus far, we know that H1N1 is present in our community but not unusually widespread at this point. From data we are tracking on campus with HR absentee reports and a subset of students, we saw a small spike in illnesses the week ending October 22nd and then a decline back to lower levels the subsequent week. These rates of illness are similar to absentee rates for this time of year. Reports from the residence halls indicate again that while the virus is present, it is not spreading as rapidly as one might have expected from early reports in the media. It is also apparent at this time that the virus still appears to be relatively mild in duration and intensity. Most individuals with influenza-like illness are recovering quickly, though there are isolated cases of individuals who have contracted more serious complications, including pneumonia. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is monitoring these cases and continues to watch for any signs that the virus may mutate into a more virulent form. So far, these signs have not appeared.
We had expected to receive from Public Health – Seattle & King County sufficient quantity of H1N1 vaccine. However, as has been reported in the media, production of vaccine has been slower than expected and the date of shipment has been delayed. We have been informed that our initial shipments of H1N1 will only be 10% of our original request and we do not expect to receive more vaccine until late November to early December. When shipments arrive, we will keep the campus informed and vaccinate the high risk groups first. The CDC guidelines stipulate that those in the following groups must be first to receive the vaccine:
Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
People ages 25 through 64 years old who are at higher risk for severe H1N1 because of chronic health conditions
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
Those who fall outside of these categories will not be eligible to receive the vaccine until more becomes available and the CDC expands its guidelines once those in the above categories are immunized.
We will continue to post the latest information about the virus at the University’s flu website, http://www.seattleu.edu/flu/. The best guidance we can provide to you is what we have been saying since the virus first appeared:
wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitizer,
cover coughs and sneezes, and
please stay home if you become ill.
Update: 10/12/09
Through conversations with students and staff, we’ve learned that some people are unclear on the two types of flu vaccines being offered this year: the H1N1 2009 “swine” flu vaccine and the seasonal flu vaccine. It is recommended that you get both vaccines, especially if you have health conditions that might predispose you to complications from the flu.
The H1N1 2009 vaccine contains only the novel H1N1 virus; it will protect against the novel H1N1 flu but not the seasonal flu.
The H1N1 virus revealed itself too late for it to be included in this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. Therefore, this year’s seasonal vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 flu. It contains three influenza viruses — one A (H3N2) virus, one regular seasonal A (H1N1) virus unrelated to the swine flu strain and one B virus.
For more information about the H1N1 flu and the seasonal flu (including where you can get these vaccines), check out these online resources:
Update: 10/7/09
Influenza season has started at Seattle University. The Student Health Center (SHC) has seen several patients with influenza-like illness. We are anticipating that most of these cases will be the novel H1N1 influenza virus and will be mild.
The SHC triage nurses have been busy answering phone calls regarding influenza, and have been able to address most concerns and questions over the phone. If you cannot reach SHC over the phone, please reference the self-guided Flu Triage Guide.
In addition, the following information addresses many of the most common questions we've received:
- We are expecting and have planned for a surge in the number of ill students and non-student patients with influenza. It is most likely that the current influenza virus is the "novel H1N1 influenza virus," also known as swine flu. (We have avoided the use of the word "swine" as to not discriminate against the pork industry. This was a request made by federal, state, and local agencies months ago.) Keep in mind that the majority of persons sick with the novel H1N1 influenza virus have had a mild illness with complete recovery. We should have results next week regarding what virus we are currently seeing. A vaccine for this virus will not be available until late October/ early November.
- There are two flu vaccines this year:
- The seasonal flu vaccine, which is available now in the SHC. The seasonal flu vaccine is available and administered every year to prevent seasonal flu.
- The novel H1N1 vaccine, while will be available soon. We will send an email when it is available on campus.
- There are two groups that we are targeting for seasonal influenza vaccine, those persons that are at risk for influenza complications and those that are likely to get and spread the disease. However, anyone can receive the seasonal influenza vaccine that is currently available. It is important to check with your insurance company as some insurance companies may only pay for the vaccine if you are in either a high risk group or a target group.
- To address questions about the number of ill persons and what we are doing to limit spread, we are following the guidance of Public Health - Seattle and King County (PH-SKC) and have been in communication with them throughout the day.
- Residential students are receiving flu kits from their respective Residential Hall Directors.
- Based on recommendations from PH-SKC and CDC, professors, teachers, supervisors and employers will not require a provider note for employee/student absenteeism due to illness or a return to work notice during this influenza season.
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