Influenza Information

The flu and you - an update

Student Health Services continues to receive regular shipments of the H1N1 Vaccine. We have given out close to 500 doses to our student body and more is on the way. Some of this vaccine is coming in the form of an injection and some of it is in the form of a nasal spray. Both forms of the vaccine will continue to be available over the next several weeks and we will continue to notify students by email as it arrives.

At this time, all of the injectable form will be given to students with ongoing or chronic medical conditions because they have been ineligible to receive the vaccine in the form of the nasal spray.

Students who should come and receive the H1N1 shot include those who have:

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma requiring daily medication
  • Pregnancy
  • Immunosuppressive illness or Cancer
  • Kidney or Liver disease
  • Seizure disorders or epilepsy

All other students may and should receive the nasal spray form of the H1N1 vaccine.

We have confirmed cases of H1N1 flu on campus with more students presenting with flu-like symptoms daily. Of the cases seen so far, these students are recovering fully within a matter of a few days.

Here are some basic things that everyone can do to help control the spread of flu

  • wash your hands
  • cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough and keep your hands away from your face
  • if you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home or in your room until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication
  • get vaccinated with both the seasonal flu vaccine and the h1n1 vaccine as they become available
  • if you were not able to get the seasonal flu shot at student health services go to www.findaflushot.com/ and get one near you
  • if you are ill, check our page on campus flu support, go to www.flu.gov/ to read about measures on how to care for yourself, or see your healthcare provider or a provider at student health services.

The H1N1 vaccine is expected to be here by early November. We'll update the community via campus email when we have more information.

The H1N1 flu virus continues to spread throughout the United States and around the world. It is expected to cause illness for some time.

Symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu, including:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

What you should do

  • Most people recover completely without needing medical care.
  • If you have a fever of 100 or greater, STAY HOME. Do not return to class or work until 24 hours after fever is GONE. Fever should be gone without use of any fever reducing medicine.
  • Rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Use medicine, such as Tylenol or Advil, to reduce fevers.
  • If you have severe illness or you also have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes or heart disease, along with the flu symptoms, contact your health care provider or seek treatment at Student Health Services.
  • Sometimes antiviral drugs may be given to treat those who become severely ill with the flu. It is important to know that not everyone who gets the flu will need medication.

How to protect yourself, your family and the community

  • If you are sick, stay home until your fever has gone away on its own for at least 24 hours.
  • You can have your roommate or friends get food and beverages for you.
  • Stay informed by visiting the CDC (Center for Disease Control) website for updated information. www.cdc.gov.
  • Cover your nose or mouth when sneezing or coughing.
  • Wash your hands frequently.
  • void close contact with people who are sick.

Information about the H1N1 vaccine

  • State and government health departments are working hard on producing a safe and effective vaccine for H1N1 flu.
  • It is expected to become available for administration later this Fall and there should be no shortage of the vaccine.
  • It probably will consist of two injections, given at 3-4 weeks apart.
  • State health departments will determine who gets the vaccine first and will notify medical personnel to create a plan.
  • St. Michael’s College Student Health Service is in constant communication with the Vermont Department of Health and we will update information to students at regular intervals.
  • It is still important to get the regular seasonal flu vaccine which will be available this Fall at Student Health Services.

Please email us at mmasson@smcvt.edu if you have any further questions.