Information for the University Community Regarding Influenza
The University of Connecticut continues to communicate regularly with Eastern Highlands Health District (EHHD) and the Connecticut Department of Public Health to provide updated advisories and follow the latest information on H1N1 Influenza A prevention and treatment recommendations. Since recommendations are being revised frequently, members of the university community are advised to visit the following websites for information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the disease.
CT Flu Watch (Connecticut Department of Public Health)
UCONN students at the Storrs campus may call the Student Health Services Advice Nurse at (860) 486-3427. Calling the Advice Nurse first may give you all the self-care information you need without having to visit Student Health Services. The Advice Nurse is available by phone 24 hours a day during the academic year.
Students at regional campuses as well as faculty and staff are advised to contact their regular health care provider.
If you get sick with flu-like symptoms, you should keep away from others as much as possible. Self-isolate by staying in your dorm room* or home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone (your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). *Important Notice To Meal Plan Participants
In general, if have a high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or dehydration, you may be advised to see a clinician for evaluation.
> DO I HAVE THE FLU? < (Link to a self-assessment tool courtesy of Midwestern State University)
The American Psychological Association (APA) is providing information on H1N1 influenza and how to deal with the stress and anxiety related to the virus. Please visit their site for more information.
Disease Prevention
As a general precaution to help prevent illness, the following practices are advised:
Cough and sneeze into your arm or elbow, not into your hands.
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after a sneeze or cough. Sing the “ABC Song” to yourself while you wash to make sure you have washed long enough (20 seconds.)
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when available.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid contact with others you know to be ill.
Immunizations
Seasonal Influenza: Use the American Lung Association’s Flu Clinic Locator to find a vaccination clinic near you. Click here: http://www.flucliniclocator.org. Please note: This site offers information about seasonal flu only.
H1N1 Influenza A: While initial shipments of this vaccine have been slow to arrive, we anticipate the arrival of more doses in the coming weeks. We have ordered enough doses to evenutally vaccinate every student.
The vaccine is allocated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The DPH is currently targeting UConn-Storrs students in these specific groups as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
Pregnant women
Household contacts and caregivers of infants less than 6 months of age
Students aged 24 and younger who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
Healthy students aged 18 and younger
EMS personnel and healthcare workers who have direct clinical contact with patients
UConn students attending the Storrs campus who fall into one of these groups and desire to receive the H1N1 vaccine from Student Health Services should use this link to pre-register so that we can contact them with vaccine clinic information.
Since the H1N1 vaccine is presently available in only limited quantities, the target groups listed above will have priority receiving the vaccine. As more vaccine arrives, the target groups will be expanded. Students are reminded to watch their Husky Mail for announcements.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to seek immunization through public health-organized vaccination clinics, private doctors’ offices, Visiting Nurse Associations and retail clinics. Please check the Eastern Highlands Health District webpage for information on registering for their clinics.
