Flu clinics
.jpg) MU Student I.D. required
Free H1N1 vaccine when
it is available
H1N1 vaccine clinic scheduled for Nov. 19
We have received the first allocation of H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine designated for students under age 25 and students with chronic medical conditions.
We have scheduled a campus outreach clinic for Thursday, November 19 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Center Hall.
Students who requested vaccine through the SHC website waiting list are being contacted and offered appointment times at the Student Health Center this week. We expect to receive more H1N1 in the weeks to come and will keep the Web site updated.
We are honoring the CDC’s guidelines for the priority groups identified by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for those people who are the most vulnerable to the 2009 H1N1 influenza. Those groups include:
- pregnant women,
- caretakers of infants less than 6 months of age,
- health care workers,
- adults with health conditions such as asthma or diabetes and
- people under the age of 25.
Since a majority of MU students fall in one or more of the CDC’s priority groups, we are doing everything we can to keep you safe this flu season.
We have created a waiting list for those wanting to receive the H1N1 vaccine. Please fill out our waiting list form, save it to your computer and submit it by email to be added to the list. As the vaccine becomes available we will notify you.
A limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine is still available and students are encouraged to call the Center (882-7481) for an appointment to receive the $25 injection. Student charge is available.
Check back here or at MU Alert for the most current information.
2009 H1N1 Facts and Information
What is 2009 H1N1 Influenza (previously called Swine Flu) ... and why should I care about it?
2009 H1N1 Influenza is a new flu virus that appeared last spring which now has been reported all over the world, therefore it is considered a pandemic. College-age students do not have immunity to this virus so you have an increased risk of becoming sick. The illness is like seasonal flu that occurs each winter, however the high number of susceptible individuals and the activities of campus life can cause the virus to spread quickly.
What should I do to take care of myself now that a Student Health Center nurse or provider has informed me that I have an Influenza-Like Illness?
- For fever, sore throat and body aches:
- Take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) – but do not exceed 4,000 mg per day;
- Alternate with ibuprofen (such as Advil);
- Take them “around the clock;” at the frequency indicated on the product directions – not just when symptoms reoccur.
- For cough:
- Use a cough syrup with the suppressant dextromethorphan, which is usually combined with guaifenesin (a mucus thinner);
- Take it at the frequency indicated on the product directions – not only when your cough worsens.
- Increase fluid intake:
- Fluids are important while you have a fever;
- Consume fruit juices, sports drinks, soup and water;
- Do not use sugar-free drinks for rehydration.
- Call Student Health at 882-7481 if …
- fever remains over 100 degrees for two days;
- productive cough;
- breathing difficulty;
- chest pain;
- or other new severe symptoms
- Stay home from class and work to limit contact with others.
- Limiting contact with others will keep them from infecting others.
“Get Well Soon” meals
With cold and flu season approaching and the possibility of H1N1 flu spreading, Campus Dining Services and Residential Life are ready to help. If you are unable to leave your room for health reasons, Campus Dining Services staff members are providing meals to your room.
- Ask your residence hall staff for the form;
- Once completed, ask a roommate, friend or hall staff member to take it and your Student ID card to the nearest residential dining location to pick up one or multiple meals;
- “Get Well Soon” meals are a part of your Mizzou Dining Plan;
- Contact your hall staff or Campus Dining Services if you have questions.
Flu Self-Care Kits available at the UPMB Pharmacy
The pharmacy at the University Physicians Medical Building and campus convenience stores now have flu self-care kits that contain hand sanitizer, cough suppressant, acetaminophen and a digital thermometer for a modest cost.
The best offense is good defense. Here are several simple
preventive actions that you should practice:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (or turn your head into your sleeve)
- Throw the tissue into the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you sneeze or cough.
- Carry alcohol-based hand sanitizers to use when soap and water are not easily accessible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth because germs are spread this way.
- Do not share items such as drinks, food, cell phones, etc.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Sometimes others may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What are the symptoms of influenza?
The most common symptoms are fever with respiratory symptoms including cough, sore throat and body aches. Headaches, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may also occur.
Is there a vaccine to prevent Novel H1N1?
A two-dose vaccine is currently being produced. While all students under 25 should receive this, it may first be distributed first to individuals with chronic medical conditions like diabetes and asthma and other conditions that may impair the immune system. The seasonal influenza vaccine will not prevent this illness, however it is still highly recommended for all students and will be available on campus beginning in late September.
Check these Web sites for more information:
|
