11/20/09
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PSU H1N1 UPDATE
PLYMOUTH, N.H. -- Thursday, November 19, three students reported flu like illnesses to Health Services.
Plymouth State recently received our first shipment of the H1N1 vaccine. Per NH Public Health and CDC guidelines, this vaccine can only be given to students up to age 24 with known risk factors for the flu, such as asthma, heart conditions, and those with suppressed immune systems.
In order to receive the vaccine, students must present a Plymouth State student ID, proof of age, and show evidence of medical need to Health Services. Evidence of medical need can include medical records on file with Health Services or a referring note from a personal physician. Students should contact Health Services at 535-2350 to schedule an appointment for the vaccine.
We must comply with the guidelines set forth by the state and federal health agencies in regards to the dispensing of these vaccines. We appreciate your understanding as we move through the vaccination process. Vaccines for otherwise healthy students and the general public will be made available at a later date. Continue to monitor the web site for additional information.
Plymouth State University is reporting our flu activity weekly to the American College Health Association. The ACHA is tracking flu activity at over 250 colleges and universities across the country. Their weekly reports can be viewed on their web site at www.acha.org . Although the seasonal and/or H1N1 flu vaccine is the best defense against the flu, we still encourage everyone to continue to protect yourselves and prevent the spread of the flu by following the COUGH protocol recommended by the New Hampshire Public Health Department:
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze - use your sleeve.
Only use your own glass and utensils - don't share Use soap and warm water to wash hands often Get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat a healthy diet Home is where you belong when you're sick, not at work or school.
All of the reported cases of the flu on campus are routinely reviewed to determine if there are any similarities in housing, majors, athletic teams, etc. We have seen the first instance of roommate transmission with last weeks reports. Otherwise, no one residential hall, major or sports team seems to have any disproportionate share of cases.
H1N1 Vaccines:
PSU Health Services has been approved by the state to order and dispense the H1N1 vaccine. However, the current H1N1 vaccine supply is not yet being released for our student population, even for those students with identified risk factors. As soon as the vaccine is made available to us, we will make arrangements for delivery and announce its availability.
We also fully intend to participate in any regional vaccine clinics for the general population. Reports from the State, however, seem to indicate that the general release of the vaccine will not be until sometime in December at the earliest.
If you feel your own medical conditions put you in a higher risk category and make you eligible for the vaccine earlier, you should speak with your own health care provider to determine the best course of action for the vaccine. Students should notify Health Services of any risk factors (if you have not done so already) by filling out the online health questionnaire.
One piece of good news with H1N1 is that the confirmed cases across the country continue to be the same strain that was used to develop the vaccine. There will always be a concern that the virus will mutate into a stronger, more virulent strain of flu, but as of now, there is no indication that a change is occurring.
Seasonal Flu Vaccines:
We are still waiting for the remainder of our supply of seasonal flu vaccines to arrive on campus. As soon as they arrive we will be announcing additional seasonal flu vaccine clinics for students and faculty/staff.
General Information:
The University's experience with the flu appears to be similar to that across the state. In New Hampshire, state Public Health officials currently are reporting “widespread” flu activity, as are most New England states. Nationwide, 46 states are reporting widespread flu activity.
On a local level, PSU has hosted two sessions for Regional Health Officers and Emergency Management Directors regarding preparing for large scale public health emergencies, outbreaks and mass vaccination clinics. With this training, and other recent activities, PSU continues to maintain an active role in the Regional Public Health planning process.
University officials will continue to monitor the situation on a campus, state and national level and will report back with any changes and updates. Continue to monitor this Web site, e-mails and myPlymouth for announcements and schedules of any new seasonal and H1N1 vaccination clinics. Staff from Health Services, Environmental Health & Safety, Student Affairs and Residential Life continue to work together to provide assistance, supplies and services, as needed, to the Campus community.
H1N1 Symptoms:
NH Health officials indicate that symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal influenza, and include fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and muscle aches, and fatigue. In some cases, patients also experience diarrhea and vomiting. If you believe you are suffering from flu symptoms, you are urged to PHONE your health care provider. They will discuss your situation and work with you to decide the best course of action for treatment or testing, if warranted.
________________________________________PSU will continue to provide updates as the situation warrants. Complete University emergency information is available at: plymouth.edu/emergency.
For more information regarding PSU's H1N1 preparedness contact Tammy Hill, PSU Manager of Environmental Health and Safety at tjhill2@plymouth.edu .
Please direct media queries to Bruce Lyndes, PSU Acting Director of Public Relations at blyndes@plymouth.edu
©2009, Plymouth State University