Influenza-Like Illness

See information at bottom of page regarding H1N1 vaccination clinics: 

In an effort to limit the spread of flu-like illness among our students, we ask that you first read the following information and then call the Health Center if you have any questions or concerns. If it is decided that you need to come to Health Services to be evaluated, the Nurse will explain how best to arrange a visit.

How does flu-like illness spread?

Influenza virus spreads from an ill person to others mainly through coughing or sneezing.

What are the symptoms of flu-like illness?

Symptoms of the flu may include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  Influenza-like illness is defined as a fever (100 ˚or greater)  plus cough and/or sore throat.  However, some people with influenza will not have fever. If in doubt, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms.  Students are encouraged to call the Davison Health Center flu line (860) 685-2653 Monday-Friday 9-4 and the 24-hour line (860) 685-2470 at other times.

For more information on Flu, see:   www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

If, after conversation with the nurse, it is determined that you meet the criteria for flu-like illness, the nurse will assist you in planning for appropriate care.

Self-care Instructions

Let your Dean and professors know that you have been instructed to go into self-isolation for an influenza-like illness.

If you are being relocated, residential life will be notified and will contact you when a room is available. Please bring bed linens, towels, personal items, and toiletries with you.
 

Stay in your room and REST!

Stay away from others (self-isolation)

·        No classes

·        No labs

·        No sports

·        No dining hall

·        If you share living quarters avoid contact with other individuals, and if it is impossible to avoid being in same room, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.

·        Use a mask if face-to-face contact is unavoidable (such as when being transported by Public Safety).

Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal or decaffeinated tea, clear juices, broth).

Take fever-reducing medicine (Ibuprofen or Tylenol, but not Aspirin)

Tylenol or Ibuprofen will also help with headache and body aches. Follow instructions on medication bottle.

Check your temperature twice a day.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer to avoid spreading the virus. Avoid touching your face or eyes.

Cough into your elbow instead of your hand.

When to Call the Health Center

If communication with Health Center staff has already been established:

  • Call with problems, questions or concerns.

  • Call Health Center Flu Line (860-685-2563) Mon - Fri 9am-4pm for Health Center clearance when you think you may be ready to return to class.  When you are feeling generally better and your fever has been down (below 100 degrees) for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, you probably will be cleared to return to class.

  • For urgent problems or questions call the main Health Center line (860-685-2470)

If you think you may have the Flu but have not yet been in communication with the Health Center:

  • If your symptoms are not severe, you may wait until daytime hours to report a flu-like illness.  Call the Flu Line (860-685-2653) Mon - Fri 9am-4pm.

  • For urgent problems or questions call the main Health Center line (860-685-2470).

Additional self-care information is at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm

Emergency Warning Signs

Consult with a health care provider (Health Center 860/685-2470) without delay if you are ill and develop any of the following:

·        Trouble breathing or shortness of breath

·        Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

·        Sudden dizziness

·        Confusion

·        Severe or persistent vomiting

·        Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

·        Rash


Additional self-care information is at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm and
Information for people with asthma:  http://www.flu.gov/pdfs/asthma.pdf
 

Phone numbers

Davison Health Center: 860/685-2653 (Flu Line - Mon-Fri 9-4)) or 860/685-2470 (main Health Center line)
Residential Life: 860/685- 3550
Dining Services: 860/685-3616

 H1N1 VACCINE AVAILABILITY

 Click here for Federal guidelines for Vaccine Priority Groups

H1N1 Vaccine Available for Students, Faculty and Staff 17-64 with High Risk Medical Conditions ONLY

After consultation with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, we have received approval to extend the age range for students with high-risk conditions to whom we can offer H1N1 vaccine.  Please read the criteria listed below carefully to determine if you qualify.  Our stock comprises a limited supply in multi-dose vials.  This is the injectable (shot) form of the vaccine which is an inactivated virus vaccine.  It is being provided by the federal government and will be administered at no cost.  See Side Effects and Benefits below.

We continue to work closely with state and local public health officials and are doing everything we can to get H1N1 vaccine to as many segments of the Wesleyan community as quickly as possible.  There is a nationwide shortage of vaccine.  We will send updates as additional and expanded vaccination opportunities become available.  Your patience is appreciated.

To qualify for the vaccine currently available at Wesleyan you must be:

A Wesleyan student, faculty or staff aged 17-64 years old

AND

Pregnant

OR

Diagnosed with one of the following conditions:

Cancer

Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)

Chronic lung disease [such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

Diabetes

Heart disease

Kidney disorders

Liver disorders

Neurological disorders (such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain or spinal cord injuries, moderate to profound intellectual disability [mental retardation] or developmental delay)

Neuromuscular disorders (such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)

Weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV or AIDS or who are on medications that weaken the immune system)

When will the vaccine be administered?

Two WALK-IN clinics will be held at the Davison Health Center on Friday, November 20 from 1:00 to 5:00 and Tuesday, November 24 from 10:00 to 2:00.  Other clinics will be held as needed to vaccinate high risk students, faculty and staff. Campus-wide clinics will not be available until supplies become available for the general/healthy population.  Questions? Please email Joyce Walter, Health Center Director at jwalter@wesleyan.edu.

Side Effects

CDC expects that any side effects following vaccination with the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine would be rare. If side effects occur, they will likely be similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Mild problems that may be experienced include soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fainting (mainly adolescents), headache, muscle aches, fever, and nausea. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days. Life-threatening allergic reactions to vaccines are very rare.

Benefits

Although the efficacy of vaccination against pandemic H1N1 influenza A has not been proven, a study that modeled the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of vaccination suggested that vaccinating 40 percent of the population of a large US city (population 8.3 million) with a vaccine that is 75 percent effective in November 2009 would avert 1468 deaths, gain 49,422 quality-adjusted life-years, and save $302 million.

 

 

 

                                                                                            Oct-09