Update on Influenza-Like Illness
Sep. 25, 2009 by ngarrett
Wesleyan’s Davison Health Center has seen a modest rise in cases of influenza like illness compared to past Septembers. Some of these cases have met CDC criteria for influenza-like illness and self isolation has been recommended. A few students have been temporarily relocated to alternative housing on campus until they recover. Many of these students have already recovered and the rest are doing well. One case was tested off-campus and is probable for H1N1. We are also testing a few cases that present possible clinical matches.
We have held two clinics for the seasonal influenza vaccine and 600 students have thus far been vaccinated. The third flu clinic is Tuesday, October 13 from 4-7 in Usdan 108. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to come for vaccination. More information is available at www.wesleyan.edu/healthservices/ofnote/flu04.html and there will be a faculty/staff clinic Saturday, October 17, 10-1 and we encourage students who cannot get to the clinic on October 13 to stop by on the 17th www.wesleyan.edu/healthservices/ofnote/flu04faculty.html.
The currently available seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1. However, it is especially recommended for college students this year. The objective is to help prevent students contracting both types of flu at the same time and, in general, to give them as much protection from as many kinds of flu as we can.
Current information is that the H1N1 vaccine will become available in early October. We do not have final details yet as to who will be targeted for the vaccine or how many doses will be available. Once that information is available, we will communicate it to the campus community.
We continue to urge all the Wesleyan Community to follow flu-prevention behaviors, including the frequent washing of hands. Also, if you believe you have contracted flu (symptoms are listed here: http://emergencymanagement.blogs.wesleyan.edu) please arrange a visit to a physician or the health center for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
We continue to urge all the Wesleyan Community to follow flu-prevention behaviors, including the frequent washing of hands. If you believe you have contracted influenza (symptoms are listed here: http://emergencymanagement.blogs.wesleyan.edu) please call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms. Students are encouraged to call the Davison Health Center flu line (860) 685-2653 Monday-Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm and the 24-hour line (860) 685-2470 at other times to discuss their illness, if appropriate, and especially if symptoms are severe or if they need to discuss relocation.
Dr. Davis Smith, Medical Director at the Davison Health Center will be holding an informal Q&A about H1N1 on Monday, October 5 at noon in 108 Usdan. Please feel free to bring a brown bag lunch.
