WUSM Student Health Service will provide
Free SEASONAL INFLUENZA vaccination
For all WUSM students
Seasonal Influenza vaccine will be available beginning
September 28, 2009
Seasonal Flu Shots will be available
Monday – Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm on a walk-in basis.
Most patients who develop influenza can be managed at home with symptomatic treatment. If you become ill with flu-like symptoms please call Student Health Service at 362-3523 for instructions. If you are ill with flu-like symptoms stay home to protect patients and classmates.
It is critical that anyone with signs or symptoms of influenza not come to school/campus. If you are ill with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever and/or symptoms are gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) While ill, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What are the symptoms of Flu?
fever ( high = over 1000 f or 380c)
headache
extreme tiredness
dry cough
sore throat
runny or stuffy nose
muscle aches
Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Take everyday actions to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
GOOD cough and sneeze etiquette (coughing or sneezing into a sleeve/elbow)
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners can also be
used.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Practice good health habits.
Eat a balanced diet. Be sure to eat a variety of foods, including plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grain products. Also include low-fat dairy products, lean meats, poultry, fish and beans. Drink lots of water and go easy on salt, sugar, alcohol, and saturated fat.
Exercise on a regular basis and get plenty of rest.
Who should be treated?
The CDC recommends that only patients in high risk categories be tested and treated. Post-exposure prophylaxis will be limited to patients who have had close contact with a case of influenza and are at high risk for complications. There are currently adequate supplies of antiviral medications. Otherwise healthy persons with suspected H1NI influenza who present with an uncomplicated illness do not require treatment.
Who is high risk?
For our population of students, persons with the following conditions;
Chronic pulmonary (including asthma)
Cardiovascular (except high blood pressure)
Renal (kidney)
Hepatic (liver)
Neurologic
Neuromuscular
Metabolic disorders (including diabetes)
Pregnant women
Immunosuppression – caused by medications or by HIV.
2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
This year’s influenza season is complicated by the presence of both the usual seasonal influenza and the novel H1N1 influenza virus (Swine flu). Novel H1N1 in many cases causes a milder illness than seasonal influenza, with less pronounced fever, and sometimes may have associated diarrhea. Novel H1N1 influenza appears to spread the same way as seasonal influenza through coughing and sneezing. Seasonal flu vaccines will not provide protection against 2009 H1N1 influenza. Vaccines to prevent the 2009 H1N1 virus are still in production. However, initial doses of licensed vaccine are expected to be available by mid-October 2009.
What About H1N1 (Swine) Flu Vaccinations?
Washington University will be providing free H1N1 vaccinations in late October as soon as the vaccine becomes available. The most recent studies suggest that a single shot may provide adequate immunity in healthy adults
Initial supplies may be limited and we will follow CDC guidance on priority groups for vaccination. These include: a) pregnant women and children who are ages 6 months to 4 years old, b) persons who live with infants <6 months old (i.e. parents, siblings and daycare providers), c) children ages 5-18 who have chronic medical conditions, and d) health care workers with direct patient contact. We will be communicating additional information about the H1N1 vaccination schedule in the near future
What is H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
2009 H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1).
Washington University is working with the state and local health departments to ensure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for our population. Initial supplies may be limited and we will follow CDC guidance on priority groups.
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