H1N1 Influenza Updates


Declaration of a National Emergency

Dear Campus Community,

I am posting the Declaration of a National Emergency with respect to H1N1 so that all will understand the reasoning behind it. Some have asked me if it was because of the delayed availability of the vaccine. The statement itself gives a very clear explanation of why. In short it gives hospitals and clinics increased freedom to do what they need to do to prepare for the increased volume of patients. This is not to Panic the population but to continue to prepare in responsible proactive ways.

Also, a reminder that I will send out a notice as soon as we have the H1N1 vaccine available on campus.

Thank you,
Cindy


Recent Press Releases

High-risk individuals offered H1N1 influenza vaccine

CDC Key Talking Points
NIH H1N1 Vaccine Key Points

An email from Cindy Wood
A Letter to Parents & Students

H1N1 Update on Campus - (10/27/2009)

Hello to all,

First let me say "Thank you" again for the tremendous response to seasonal flu shots this year! We have given over 1300 flu shots, which included more students than ever!

I know there are some who would still like a flu shot but were unable to make it to one of our sessions. Unfortunately, we will not be doing anymore unless I receive more vaccine. I am hopeful that there will be a small shipment of about 100 shots by Nov 15th and will let you know immediately. Unfortunately, the other large order of flu vaccine I had pre-booked will not be shipped due to shortages and a switch in production to the H1N1. For this I apologize, but it was not within my control. Unfortunately this is true for many offices and pharmacies. If you have a primary provider and have not received a flu shot as yet, please check with them just in case.

For those of you who may be a Veteran, the VA clinic in Sheffield will be giving seasonal Flu shots on Oct 30th, Friday, at the clinic from 08-1600. Please take your military ID card and take advantage of this opportunity.

As for the H1N1 influenza vaccine, I am sure you are aware of the delay in its delivery as well. We do have the vaccine on order and as soon as it arrives will let you know and set up clinics. This vaccine will be limited and we will have to comply with the state and federal guidelines for distribution. The priority categories are as follows: Pregnant women; children 6 months through 4 years old; parents, siblings and caregivers of children less than 6 months old; children 5-18 years old who have underlying medical conditions; and health care workers (which would include student nurses). These categories may expand by the time we receive the vaccine and we will keep you posted. There will be information posted to our 'H1N1 Influenza Update' site on the homepage concerning the H1N1 vaccine and you can always click on the icon Flu.Gov for the latest.

Please continue to exercise vigilance in your hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when you are sick, especially with fever, and staying away from others who are sick. It really does make a difference for us all.

Sincerely,
Cindy Wood

UNA Health and Wellness staff are monitoring the information coming out of the CDC and the World Health Organization to ensure that we keep abreast of any warnings.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us in the Health Center at 765-4328.

Below are some interim recommendations that we want to share with the UNA community. UNA Health Center staff have been in contact with Ms. Angie Bretherick, Infection Control Specialist for the Alabama Department of Public Health and will consult with her daily regarding any new developments or warnings for Alabama. We will send out information to the UNA community on a regular basis as needed.

Should you have any questions regarding the below guidelines please contact the UNA Health and Wellness Center.


Interim Recommendations:

While we do not expect any problems here on campus, we would like for all to have a heightened awareness of influenza (flu) symptoms and how to protect your self from infection. This flu is transmitted in the same way as the regular flu, which are droplets from coughing and sneezing. You can not develop the illness from eating pork.


What can you do to stay healthy?

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread that way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people
  • If someone around you is coughing or sneezing put your hand over your nose and mouth, same as you would cover your own cough
  • If YOU get sick seek immediate medical care, especially if you are running a fever, and limit your contact with others to keep from spreading the infection
  • Follow these basic but very effective rules.

Signs and symptoms of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus:

  • Fever (often high)
  • Cough
  • Body or muscle aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Runny or stuffy nose

Should I Be Tested for Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus?

If you do not feel well, there is no need to make a special visit to your primary care physician (PCP) to find out if you have Swine Flu. If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. On the otherhand, if you are sick AND have a fever, please contact your PCP.

Our Medical Director, Dr. Auxier, does not feel there is cause for alarm, just precaution and some preliminary preparations. The medication Tamiflu does seem to be effective in treating this illness and is available locally. Seeking immediate medical attention and beginning treatment within the first 48 hours is the key to minimizing the impact of the illness.


The American College Health Association has put out this warning concerning the illegal sales of antiviral medications. It is important to understand that these medications, when prescribed by a medical provider, are very useful in minimizing the impact of the flu and may actually prevent the spread. However, when taken inappropriately they may actually produce a resistance to the medication and in essence strenthen the virus. This is how the flu becomes stronger and spreads more easily. Please heed this warning!


FDA, FTC Warn Public of Fraudulent 2009 H1N1 Influenza Products

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are alerting the public to be wary of Internet sites and other promotions for products that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The agencies are also advising operators of offending web sites that they must take prompt action to correct and/or remove promotions of these fraudulent products or face enforcement action.

Please visit www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2009/NEW02007.html for full details.