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FREE H1N1 CLINIC FEBRUARY 20

 

The University is once again teaming up with the Erie Center on Health and Aging and the Erie County Department of Health to hold an H1N1 (Swine Flu) Clinic.

 

This FREE vaccination clinic will be held at the Carneval Athletic Pavilion (CAP) on Saturday, February 20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Free vaccinations are available to everyone who wants one, including students, staff, faculty, spouses and children six months or older.

 

 

 

You’re not letting down your guard, are you?

 

Now is no time to give up the fight against flu! Although cases of H1N1 in Erie County appear to be dwindling, there are still many people experiencing influenza like illness (ILI). Please keep in mind that during the holiday break many of us will be traveling to parts of the country and the world where H1N1 is still quite prevalent. Furthermore, we are entering seasonal flu season, which presents symptoms nearly identical to swine flu.

 

Please continue to be mindful of your personal role in germ control.

·         Wash your hands frequently

·         Avoid touching your face

·         Don’t drink from others’ cups, bottles or cans

·         Use the antibacterial gels around campus

·         Cough into your elbow or a tissue and discard the tissue

·         Stay home if you’re sick

 

Thank you and enjoy the holiday season.

 

 

From The Gannon University Pandemic Influenza Planning Committee

 

 

 

 

H1N1 FLU SHOT CLINIC ON CAMPUS

 

There will be an H1N1 flu shot clinic for Gannon students, faculty and staff on Thursday, November 12, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the Yehl Ballroom of the Waldron Campus Center.  A second vaccination clinic for the general public will follow from 5 – 7 p.m.

 

The vaccinations are FREE and will be administered by the Erie Center on Health and Aging. Please bring your Gannon ID.

 

The clinic will target only the following CDC priority groups:

 

·        Persons between the ages of 4 years and 24 years old

·        Pregnant women

·        Caretakers of children younger than 6 months of age

·        Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel

·        Persons 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems

 

A parent or legal guardian’s signature is required for anyone under 18 years of age. 

 

Social Distancing

The Student Health Center recommends that with increased influenza cases on campus, students, faculty and staff should participate in voluntary social distancing to protect themselves and others from the potential spread of influenza.

Social Distancing is the reduction in frequency, duration and proximity of contact with other individuals.  It is recommended that you:

Avoid large crowds if possible.

• Stay away from people who are coughing, sneezing or otherwise appear sick.

• The Centers for Disease Control recommend that the goal should be to have at least six feet of distance between people at most times.  This is not a simple or easy strategy and would typically require considerable flexibility.  Possible options to increase the amount of space between students.

• Reconsider shaking hands, hugging and/or kissing when greeting others.

Remember to wash your hands thoroughly and often, and to cover your mouth – preferably with the crook of your arm – when coughing or sneezing. You are encouraged to be vigilant about germ control, especially in close living quarters.

Stay well!

Influenza A Confirmed

The Gannon University Student Health Center received confirmation that several students are sick with Influenza A, which is most likely H1N1 (swine flu).

This serves as a reminder to all of us to be vigilant about germ control, especially in close living and working environments. Please remember to wash your hands frequently, use the antibacterial products that have been placed around campus, do not share cups or utensils, and avoid touching your face.

Students with symptoms or concerns should be evaluated at Student Health Services in the lower level of Harborview Apartments. Faculty and staff are encouraged to report their illness to their supervisor, stay home and limit contact with others if they experience flu-like symptoms.

A representative from the Erie County Department of Health has reported that there have been confirmed H1N1 cases in the City of Erie and Erie County. Two weeks ago there were 77 confirmed cases; last week there were more than 300 cases. Additionally, two other local universities have reported confirmed cases of H1N1.

Most people with H1N1 are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms and recovering at home without treatment. Please continue to refer to this Web site for more information on how you can protect yourself and what to do if you feel sick.

 

CDC GUIDELINES: What To Do If You Get Sick: 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu

How do I know if I have the flu?

You may have the flu if you have some or all of these symptoms:

• fever*
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
• sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you get sick with flu-like symptoms this flu season, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. Most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu. However, some people are more likely to get flu complications and they should talk to a health care provider about whether they need to be examined if they get flu symptoms this season. They are:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• People 65 and older
• Pregnant women
• People who have:
  • Cancer
  • Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
  • Chronic lung disease [including asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver disorders
  • Neurological disorders (including nervous system, brain or spinal cord)
  • Neuromuscular disorders (including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)
  • Weakened immune systems (including people with AIDS)

Also, it’s possible for healthy people to develop severe illness from the flu so anyone concerned about their illness should consult a health care provider. There are emergency warning signs. Anyone who has them should get medical care right away.

What are the emergency warning signs?

In adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Do I need to go the emergency room if I am only a little sick?

No. The emergency room should be used for people who are very sick. You should not go to the emergency room if you are only mildly ill. If you have the emergency warning signs of flu sickness, you should go to the emergency room. If you get sick with flu symptoms and are at high risk of flu complications or you are concerned about your illness, call your health care provider for advice. If you go to the emergency room and you are not sick with the flu, you may catch it from people who do have it.

Are there medicines to treat 2009 H1N1?

Yes. There are drugs your doctor may prescribe for treating both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 called “antivirals.” These drugs can make you better faster and may also prevent serious complications. This flu season, antiviral drugs are being used mainly to treat people who are very sick, such as people who need to be hospitalized, and to treat sick people who are more likely to get serious flu complications. Your health care provider will decide whether antiviral drugs are needed to treat your illness. Remember, most people with 2009 H1N1 have had mild illness and have not needed medical care or antiviral drugs and the same is true of seasonal flu.

How long should I stay home if I’m sick?

CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.) You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.

What should I do while I’m sick?

Stay away from others as much as possible to keep from making them sick. If you must leave home, for example to get medical care, wear a facemask if you have one, or cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. And wash your hands often to keep from spreading flu to others. CDC has information on "Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home" on its website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm