Emergency Management

Wesleyan’s Davison Health Center has seen a modest rise in cases of influenza like illness compared to past Septembers. Some of these cases have met CDC criteria for influenza-like illness and self isolation has been recommended. A few students have been relocated to alternative housing on campus. Many of these students have already recovered and the rest are doing well. One case was tested off-campus and is probable for H1N1. We are also testing a few cases that present possible clinical matches.

We have held two clinics for the seasonal influenza vaccine and 600 students have thus far been vaccinated. The third flu clinic is Tuesday, October 13 fro 4-7 p.m. in Usdan 108. Students, faculty and staff are welcome to come for vaccination. More information is available here. There will be a faculty/staff only clinic on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The currently available seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1. However, it is especially recommended for college students this year. We also want to avoid students contracting both types of flu at the same time, and in general, want to give them as much protection from as many kinds of flu as we can.

Current information is that the H1N1 vaccine will become available in early October. We do not have final details yet as to who will be targeted for the vaccine or how many doses will be available. Once that information is available, we will communicate it to the campus community.

We continue to urge all in the Wesleyan Community to follow flu-prevention behaviors, including the frequent washing of hands. Also, if you believe you have contracted flu (symptoms are listed here), please arrange a visit to a physician or the Davidson Health Center for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Further questions should be directed to:

Joyce Walter, Director, Davidson Health Center: jwalter@wesleyan.edu

Davis Smith, Medical Director, Davidson Health Center: pdsmith@wesleyan.edu