From: Tina Netland
Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009
2:18 PM
To: Tina Netland
Subject: Union University H1N1 Flu
Update
Dear
Union Faculty, Staff and Students:
In
an effort to keep our community up to date about the H1N1 as it relates to our
campus, below is a brief update on the current situation at Union and
throughout the country related to the H1N1 flu virus. As always, if you have
any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Union Health Services at
731.661.5284.
•
To date, Union Health Services has seen 184 cases of influenza or
influenza-like illness (ILI).
•
Of these, none have required hospitalization but a few developed other
respiratory problems that were treated on an out-patient basis.
•
Seasonal flu shots continue at Union. Many universities and clinics throughout
the country have not yet received seasonal vaccine, and they have no idea when
or if they will receive the vaccine they ordered. Please take advantage of a
blessedly plentiful supply at Union. The next scheduled flu shot clinic (for
the seasonal vaccine) will be announced in E-nnouncements.
•
The CDC recommends vaccination against seasonal flu as soon as you are able to
get it. They are not recommending waiting until later in the flu season.
•
Influenza is reported as widespread throughout the entire southern half of the
country. This is highly unusual for this time of year. Approximately 98% of
lab-verified flu has been the novel H1N1 strain.
•
The majority of illness has been moderate to moderately severe. Pregnant women
and children under the age of 6 years are more likely than other demographics
to have a poor outcome.
•
Union has 3,500 doses of novel H1N1 vaccine ordered. The first 3.4 million
doses are expected to arrive at distribution centers throughout the country during
the first week of October. As soon as Health Services has vaccine available, it
will be given as directed by the CDC and local health authorities. The
vaccine has been purchased with federal funds and will be free to recipients.
Private clinics may charge an administration fee, Union will not.
•
Please continue to be deliberate about cleaning your hands, covering your cough
or sneeze appropriately, and remaining home when sick. Discourage colleagues
and students from “toughing it out” and coming to work/school sick.
Please
see http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm
for more information.
Paul
Mayer, RN
Director
of Health Services for Union University
731-661-5284
This
e-mail transmission, including any attachments, is intended only for the named
recipient(s) and may contain information that is privileged, confidential
and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this
transmission in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify Union
University Health Clinic immediately by return e-mail and permanently
delete this transmission, including any attachments.