Weekly Influenza UpdateOctober 2, 2009

TO: The Gustavus Community
FROM: The Gustavus Pandemic Advisory Committee

As the incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) continues to rise on campus and within the community, the Gustavus Health Service is pleased to announce the opening of the Influenza Satellite Clinic on campus. Located in the 49er Conference Room, on the lower level of the Jackson Campus Center, this clinic will serve as a separate location for students who are experiencing influenza-like symptoms. Hours will be posted daily and will change in accordance with needs of the campus. Students can continue to call Health Service (933-7630) for ILI related questions.

With 69 new ILI cases reported this week, the College has now had 115 cases overall. Some of the affected individuals have already recovered; others are still recovering. These numbers are higher than the general community, but very much in line with what other colleges are seeing throughout the country. As we approach a very busy week with the Nobel Conference, Homecoming and Family Weekend, we remind you of ways to keep yourself and your community healthy.

  • Visit the College H1N1 Influenza A website regularly to review recommendations.
  • Practice good personal health habits: hand-washing, covering your cough, adequate sleep.
  • Get vaccinated for seasonal influenza and H1N1 as supplies become available.

Initial shipments of the H1N1 vaccine have started to be distributed nationwide. Gustavus is a registered provider, so watch for upcoming information about the H1N1 vaccine availability on campus. In the meantime, it is recommended that everyone without contraindications receive the seasonal influenza vaccine (often referred to as the “flu shot”).

Students: Health Service has received a limited supply (200 doses) of seasonal influenza vaccine, which will be administered in Health Service on Monday, Oct. 5 beginning at 9:30 a.m. We will administer vaccine on a first-come, first-served basis until our supply is exhausted. We expect to receive more seasonal vaccine in upcoming weeks and will continue to hold ‘mini’ Flu Shot Clinics until there does not appear to be further demand.

Employees: Gustavus Health Promotion will host Homeland Health Specialists who will administer seasonal influenza vaccine on Oct. 14 from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. in Linner Lounge. Vaccine will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thank you again for your continued attention to this important information.

Sincerely,

Pandemic Advisory Committee Co-Chairs
Heather Dale, Director of Health Service and
Ray Thrower, Director of Campus Safety