Weekly Influenza UpdateOctober 30, 2009

To: The Gustavus Community
From: The Gustavus Pandemic Advisory Committee

Greetings,

H1N1 cases in the community and in greater Minnesota are increasing. However, the reported ILI cases at Gustavus this week are 8, which is down from previous weeks. It is important to remember that although our numbers are down at Gustavus, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that cases may continue to increase for the next several weeks.

While the virus spread is slowing on the Gustavus campus, let us all remember to practice healthy habits and cold and flu prevention.

H1N1 vaccine availability

Federal officials acknowledge that production of H1N1 vaccine has been delayed and only a small number of doses are currently available.

When H1N1 vaccine supplies will be available for the general public depends on how quickly manufacturers are able to produce it. Public health officials expect that eventually there will be enough vaccine in the state for anyone who wants to be vaccinated.

As the vaccine becomes available to the Gustavus community, Health Service will promptly notify the students in various ways.

For now, the Minnesota Department of Health recommends giving vaccine to priority groups:

  • pregnant women
  • people who live with or provide care for infants aged six months or younger
  • health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
  • children ages six months through four years
  • children and adolescents ages 5-18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk

We remain committed to keeping our students, staff, and faculty as safe as possible during this unusual flu season. Although our numbers are down we will continue to have our Satellite Flu Clinic open to serve our students’ needs. For tips on what to do when you have the flu, check out the new link on our H1N1 website.

Sincerely,

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