Flu Updates
Pneumococcus infections increase severity of H1N1 cases Nov. 24, 2009
Recently, infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) have been identified as an important complication in severe and fatal cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza virus infection. Fortunately, there are vaccines that may help to prevent these infections.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a single dose of pneumococcal vaccine for all people age 65 and older and all people age 2 through 64 who have certain high-risk conditions:
- For people age 19–64 having asthma or smoking cigarettes.
- For people age 2–64 with chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, and liver disease, diabetes, alcoholism, cochlear implants, asplenia, and immunocompromising conditions.
Student Health Services recommends contacting your Primary Care Provider to make an appointment to discuss the vaccine if your son/daughter meets the above criteria.
Finally, consider equipping your student with an influenza “arsenal” upon return from the Thanksgiving vacation. Recommended items include: thermometer, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.), cough syrup with guaifenesin, cough drops and whatever else may seem comforting while away from home and ill. Although these items are provided by Student Health Services, nothing is more convenient than already having them in your room.
Spray vaccine clinic location change; injection vaccine available Nov. 4, 2009
The location of the third nasal spray vaccine clinic for H1N1 (Friday, Nov. 6) has been changed to Room 218 in the Wise Campus Center due to a scheduling conflict. The clinic runs from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and is for students only.
We have received a limited amount of injection vaccine. Priority will be given to students with risk factors such as asthma. Students with risk factors who would like the injection vaccine should visit the Student Health Clinic.
H1N1 spray vaccine available Nov. 3, 2009
Nasal spray H1N1 vaccine is available on a walk-in basis for students without underlying medical concerns on Monday through Friday of the week beginning Nov. 2, 2009, at the Student Health Clinic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (0800-1700).
NU, with the support of the infirmary staff and the Norwich Nursing Program, will conduct the third nasal spray vaccine clinic for H1N1 on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at “the Fishbowl” at Wise Campus Center from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. This is also for students only.
As additional clinics become available or if we receive the injection vaccine we will let the University community know as soon as possible.
No confirmed student H1N1 cases Oct. 21, 2009
Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Central Vermont Medical Center (CVMC) guidance, Norwich University is not routinely testing students for the H1N1 virus if they have flu-like symptoms.
However, students are placed on H1N1 isolation protocol if they have flu-like symptoms and a temperature greater than 100 degrees. Students with flu-like symptoms who do not have a temperature greater than 100 degrees are not routinely tested for H1N1 because treatment for seasonal flu and for the H1N1 virus is the same.
Occasionally the hospital will test a patient for H1N1 to determine if they should be isolated if the patient is so sick they require hospitalization. That being said, Norwich University has had no confirmed cases of H1N1 virus in its student population. Fortunately, no students have been sick enough to warrant testing either at Student Health Services/Norwich Infirmary or the CVMC Emergency Department.
No seasonal vaccine at Nov. 5 Wellness Fair Oct 9, 2009
Correction
Norwich students will not be able to receive the seasonal flu vaccine at the Nov. 5, 2009 Wellness Fair. We apologize for the earlier misinformation and recommend that students with medical conditions that place them at high risk for seasonal influenza and those who simply desire seasonal flu vaccine consider a local vaccination clinic. For a list of Central Vermont clinics, visit the Vermont Department of Health website or consider vaccination at home during Thanksgiving break.
Vaccination information Sept. 25, 2009
Seasonal flu vaccination will be available to all students at the Norwich University Wellness Fair Thurs., Nov. 5, 2009.
According to the latest information we’ve received from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), H1N1 flu vaccinations will begin in mid- to late October. The vaccine will be offered first to the following groups, according to the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations:
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts and caregivers of children younger than six months
- Health care and EMS personnel
- Anyone from six months through 24 years of age
- Adults age 25 through 64 with medical conditions that put them at higher risk of serious complications from influenza
Norwich University Health Services will continue to remain in contact with the Vermont Department of Health and will post information regarding H1N1 flu vaccine. We plan to receive the vaccine and administration materials from the state and administer it at Norwich University Health Services/Student Health Clinic. The Vermont Health Department will report weekly on flu activity in the state on the flu section of their site at healthvermont.gov/prevent/flu.
National and regional flu surveillance data reported to CDC is available at: www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly
As of Sept. 12:
- Twenty one states have reported widespread influenza activity.
- 99 percent of all subtyped influenza A viruses have been identified as H1N1.
- The proportion of deaths from pneumonia and flu remains below the epidemic threshold.