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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Vaccination

What do I need to know about getting immunized?

WMU received and distributed 200 doses of H1N1 vaccine during mid-October to immunize healthcare workers, students required to assist patients during medical internships, and individuals directly caring for students diagnosed with influenza-like illness. More doses are expected to arrive during the next couple of weeks to begin to immunize the following priority groups designated by the CDC:

Priority Groups (designated by the CDC)

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
• People between the ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for 2009 H1N1 due to chronic health conditions.*

*To determine if you have a health condition placing you at risk, please review information at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

 

Vaccination Options

How do I get vaccinated for influenza on campus?

The CDC has identified young adults as a priority population for H1N1 vaccination. Therefore, we will encourage students to be vaccinated for protection against the H1N1 virus. Both seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccinations will be provided at Sindecuse Health Center when available.

How will I know which type of H1N1 vaccine (shot or flu-mist) is right for me?

Please review the following Fact Sheets, from the CDC website.

H1N1 Flu Shot:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-inact-h1n1.pdf

H1N1 Flu-mist:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-laiv-h1n1.pdf

What is the cost to receive the H1N1 vaccine at Sindecuse Health Center?
The H1N1 vaccine will be administered at no cost to you.

Treatment

When should I seek treatment?

Call Sindecuse Health Center at (269) 387-3287 when:

• You are concerned about your illness.
• You develop severe symptoms.
• You experience flu symptoms and have the following medical condition(s) that may potentially increase your risk of influenza-related complications: pregnancy, diabetes, less than 18 years of age and receiving aspirin therapy, lung, heart, immune system, neurological, neuromuscular, kidney, blood, and liver disorders.

Contact your primary care clinician for guidance at the onset of flu symptoms if you have a chronic health condition.

Influenza antiviral medications

Influenza antiviral medications are drugs that suppress the ability of influenza viruses to reproduce. When used correctly, they can reduce duration of symptoms and complications from influenza virus infection. Individuals with a mild to moderate influenza-like illness may find their illness improve without the use of prescription antiviral medication.

Antiviral medications are prescribed by Sindecuse Health Center clinicians according to CDC guidelines and are available at the Sindecuse Pharmacy. For additional information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/antiviral.htm.

Sindecuse Guidelines For Dispensing Of Antiviral Medication In Response To Swine-Origin Influenza A (H1N1)

In response to the intensifying outbreak of Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1), Sindecuse Health Center Pharmacy has adopted the 5th District Medical Response Coalition guidelines (revised May 1, 2009) for distribution of the antiviral medications zanamivir (Relenza®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®).

WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS: The current recommendation is that antiviral medications are not to be used for prophylaxis of the general public. Local public health is responsible for determining which segments of the public are appropriate for prophylaxis and for providing this.

Recommendations for dispensing of antivirals may be revised as data on antiviral effectiveness, clinical spectrum of illness, adverse events from antiviral use, antiviral susceptibility data and availability changes.

Symptoms

Reducing symptoms associated with H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):

 

Fever can be reduced by drinking plenty of fluids, taking fever-reducing medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to package directions or as prescribed by a Sindecuse Health Center healthcare professional and taking a lukewarm sponge bath or shower. Due to potential complications, aspirin is not recommended to treat fever.

Muscle aches can be treated by taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen as recommended on product packages or as prescribed by a Sindecuse Health Center healthcare professional. Again, aspirin is not recommended.

Dehydration can be prevented by drinking plenty of liquids, sucking on ice chips, and consuming easily digested foods such as soup and broth. Take one sip at a time if drinking liquids makes nausea worse.

Electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea can be replaced with fluids containing electrolytes such as sports drinks that can be found at pharmacies or grocery stores.

Seek treatment at Sindecuse Health Center for worsening dehydration, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever that is not improving with above recommendations.

 

The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician. Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns regarding your health.