The latest

• Update: Nov. 10, 2009
  Health Services has received 500 doses of H1N1 vaccine in nasal mist form (also referred to as flu mist) which will be available to students, faculty and staff who are 12-24 years old and who meet safety criteria for nasal-mist administration. The vaccines will be available as long as supplies last Thursday, November 12 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Hearth Lounge (first floor of the Moseley Center).
  
  • The vaccines will be administered to those who meet the safety criteria and who are 12-24 years old
  • The vaccines will be administered on a first-come, first served basis as long as supplies last
  • The line will start forming no earlier than 8:30 am; at this point we cannot anticipate the wait time 
  • You must bring your Phoenix Card with you
  • Anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian
  • The vaccines will be free to students, faculty and staff; dependents and domestic partners will be charged $15.00 (payable by cash or check at time of service)
• Click here for an H1N1 update from October 29, 2009
• Click here for an H1N1 update from September 9, 2009

Basic information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts a second wave of the H1N1 virus to circulate during the academic year.

• The H1N1 virus has relatively high rates of infectivity among young adults, but relatively low rates of mortality (mostly among immuno-compromised persons, very young children, and pregnant women). Most people recover from H1N1 with over-the-counter medications, but there may be cause to worry if individuals have pre-existing conditions which compromise their immune system or cause respiratory distress. These students, faculty and staff are encouraged to consult with health services or their medical provider as soon as possible regarding additional treatment measures.
• The best strategy for addressing the H1N1 virus is to reduce its spread by encouraging proper hand washing and cough/respiratory etiquette and to separate ill and well people as soon as possible.
• Elon has a comprehensive flu response plan, and has already taken several steps. You'll find hand sanitizers around campus, and students in residence halls have access to disinfecting supplies to keep rooms and bathrooms clean. We have also sent out letters to students and parents and have held personal preparedness workshops.
• Elon will be offering seasonal flu vaccines to students, faculty and staff this fall. There will also be an H1N1 influenza vaccine clinic. Watch this Web site and E-Net for updates on the vaccination schedules.

Protect yourself

• Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands. 
• Stay home if you are sick for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius) or signs of a fever (have chills, feel very warm, have a flushed appearance, or are sweating). This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medications (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen). Staying away from others while sick can prevent others from getting sick too. Self-isolation includes not attending classes, not eating in the dining halls and not attending any other group function or co-curricular activity. Students who exhibit flu-like symptoms should be evaluated in person or by phone at University Health Services as soon as possible. Consult with University Health Services if you are sick and must stay home from class.
• Talk to your health care provider to find out if you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu and/or 2009 H1N1 flu. Check E-Net for vaccine administration dates on campus.