H1N1 Update – November 19, 2009
Current Influenza-Like Illness Activity at Wesleyan
Rates of cases influenza-like illness (ILI) (fever >100 F with cough and or sore throat absent a competing diagnosis) on campus have declined over the past few weeks. We have identified over 200 cases since the beginning of the semester. Our peak day for diagnoses was 10/18/09. We are currently identifying an average of 3 cases per day. Of these, we estimate that one quarter to one third have H1N1. Many of these students have recovered within a few days and most have recovered within a week, although some remain achy and fatigued for a few days to a week or more after the cough and fever resolve. We have had several cases of secondary pneumonia, but no other known complications and no hospitalizations. There are currently 16 active cases of which two are in relocation housing.
Please review previous postings for more detailed review of our planning and management.
Current H1N1 Vaccine Program at Wesleyan
We continue to work closely with state and local health officials to expedite and optimize vaccine delivery. We have obtained a supply of the H1N1 vaccine in injectable form and have run several clinics targeting students at high risk for complications of H1N1 (as defined below). One hundred six students have been vaccinated thus far. Qualifying students who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to call 860.685.2470 during business hours to schedule vaccination.
Per the most recent State of Connecticut recommendations, we will be offering H1N1 vaccine to Wesleyan employees at high risk for complications of H1N1 (as defined below). These WALK IN clinics are scheduled for Friday, November 20 from 1-5 and Tuesday, November 24 from 10-2 at the Davison Health Center. Please contact Joyce Walter with questions at 860-685-2656 or jwalter@wesleyan.edu. More clinics will be scheduled as vaccine is obtained.
We continue to advertise local public H1N1 vaccine clinics. There will be a clinic Sunday, November 22 from 3-8 pm in Middlefield at which nasal spray vaccine will be administered to qualified recipients. More details will be provided in a forthcoming campus-wide email. A transportation plan is in development. Wesleyan students are considered qualifying residents. Clinic participants must be 2 – 24 years of age in good health, or healthy 18 – 49 year-olds who live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age, or are health-care workers (including school nurses) or emergency medical personnel (license required) who are in good health. Persons aged 25 – 64 who have underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications are also eligible.
Questions may be addressed to:
Joyce Walter, Director, Davison Health Center jwalter@wesleyan.edu
Davis Smith, Medical Director , Davison Health Center pdsmith@wesleyan.edu
To qualify for the vaccine currently available at Wesleyan you must be:
A Wesleyan student or employee 17-64
AND
Pregnant
OR
Diagnosed with one of the following conditions:
Cancer
Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
Chronic lung disease [such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]
Diabetes
Heart disease
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Neurological disorders (such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, brain or spinal cord injuries, moderate to profound intellectual disability [mental retardation] or developmental delay)
Neuromuscular disorders (such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)
Weakened immune systems (such as people with HIV or AIDS or who are on medications that weaken the immune system)
Tags: H1N1 Flu Update 11-19