APSU Health Services

Information on the H1N1 Flu Virus

Number of reported cases, Oct. 31-Nov. 6: 11*
*Reported cases indicate those who state having flu-like symptoms or being diagnosed as having influenza by a physician.

H1N1 Vaccines

H1N1 Vaccines will be available starting Monday, Nov. 9 at Boyd Health Services, Ellington 104. Hours will be 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m., Mon.-Fri. These vaccines will be free.

However, you must meet at least one of the criteria below to receive the shot:

  • PREGNANT
  • BE A HOUSEHOLD CONTACT OR CAREGIVER OF A CHILD UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE
  • BE A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, (NURSING/MEDTECH STUDENTS IN CLINICALS, ETC)
  • BE 18-24 YEARS OF AGE
  • BE A CHRONICALLY ILL PERSON 25-64 YEARS OF AGE. (HYPERTENSION, HEART DISEASE, DIABETES, ASTHMA, COPD OR IMMUNOCOMPROMISED: HIV/AIDS, ON CANCER TREATMENT/CHEM,O ETC.)

H1N1 Information

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared the novel H1N1 flu (swine flu) to be a pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to update their guidance about responding to the H1N1 influenza as new developments arise.

The best initial advice is to NOT PANIC.

Although the H1N1 virus has continued to cause illness during a time of year when influenza is rare, there are no signs that the virus has mutated to become more deadly or more contagious.

Boyd Health Services has seen no confirmed cases of H1N1. One student was referred to the Montgomery County Health Department for additional testing, but H1N1 was not confirmed. Health Services does not have the H1N1 test, but will test any student, staff or faculty member who appears to have seasonal influenza.

This fall we will enter the “traditional” flu season. The best first line of defense is to have the annual influenza vaccination. The vaccine changes every year based on the most prevalent virus strain. The annual vaccine is safe, contains no live viruses and is relatively inexpensive. This year’s supply of vaccine will be available in October and we encourage our community to be vaccinated.

The H1N1 vaccine is a bit more problematic. The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recently announced recommendations for the use of vaccines against the H1N1. The entire list of recommendations is available at http://www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090729b.htm. This is a new vaccine, whose clinical trials only recently began. Consequently, there is no firm target date for a vaccine. APSU is already in the network to participate in vaccine distribution. The CDC does not anticipate a shortage.

Questions about the H1N1 Virus? Send an e-mail to flu@apsu.edu.

Tips for Healthy Hygiene

Wash your hands with soap and clean running water. Visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1 for more information.As we await more developments regarding the H1N1 virus, Health Services staff would like to remind the community to practice healthy hygiene.

  • Wash your hands frequently, especially after touching or associating with people who are coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose, or when you have done any of these behaviors.
  • Cover your cough with your sleeve or with a tissue and dispose of the tissue afterward.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Disinfect commonly used surfaces; viruses remain infectious on non-porous surfaces for up to 24 hours.
  • If you are sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, chills, nausea, diarrhea), it is recommended that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the aid of fever reducing medications.

If you believe yourself to be sick, seek medical assistance. Boyd Health Services is open 7 a.m. - noon and 1 - 3:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. We are here to promote your health.

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu Virus

Download this helpful chart to help self-diagnose your condition.

Related Video

APSU professor of biology Dr. Chad Brooks discusses the H1N1 virus with faculty and staff at 2009 Fall Convocation on Aug. 26.