Flu Updates
SHS has influenza vaccine for the 2012-2013 season. This year's vaccine covers two strains of influenza A: H1N1 and H3N2; and one strain of influenza B. Vaccine is available to students for $10 on a walk in basis until supplies are exhausted.
UPDATE: January 2013: SHS has exhausted our supply of vaccine and additional vaccine is not available. However, other facilities in the community may have vaccine.
Please read the following for more information about Influenza and how to prevent it.
What is H1N1 (Swine) Influenza?
Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. It is believed that Swine Influenza is spread the same way seasonal flu spreads, from person to person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. It may also be spread through touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.
What is a pandemic?
-A pandemic is an epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading through human populations across a large region.
What can I do to prevent Influenza?
-Get a flu shot
-Avoid Close Contact with Infected People
-Stay Home When You Are Sick
-Cover Your Mouth and Nose When You Sneeze or Cough
-Wash Your Hands Often or Use Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizer
-Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
-Practice Other Good Health Habits including Getting Plenty of Sleep, Exercising, Drinking Plenty of Fluids, and Eating Nutritious Food
What are the symptoms of Influenza?
-Fever, Cough, Sore Throat, Body Aches, Headache, Chills, and Fatigue
-May Also Report: Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
What do I do if I have any of those symptoms?
-Anyone with flu-like symptoms should stay home until 24 hours after symptoms abate, which is typically 7-10 days from the onset of symptoms.
-If you are a student, visit Student Health Services (SHS). SHS is open Monday-Friday 10:00am-3:00pm through May term. Call 801.832.2239 to make an appointment.
-If you are faculty or staff, visit your Primary Health Care Provider or Salt Lake Valley Health Department.
What is Westminster College doing to protect you from influenza?
-The College is taking a proactive preventative approach to fighting the flu this school year.
-Campaigns and outreach programs will be ongoing through the year to educate the college community on prevention measures and when to see a health care provider. These include signs around campus, a flu film, e-mail reminders, etc.
-Hand sanitizer pumps and tissues have been installed in all major buildings and high traffic areas on campus.
-Masks will be available to students, staff, and faculty if they become necessary.
-Custodial staff has been instructed to pay special attention to high-touch surfaces including: doorknobs, light switches, handrails, desks, etc.
How will I know if class is canceled?
-You will be called or emailed. Notices will also be posted at the classroom.
What should I do if I live in the residence halls and become sick?
-If you live nearby, go home to isolate until 24 hours after symptoms abate. If you do not live nearby, isolate in your room until 24 hours after symptoms abate. Keep as much physical distance between yourself and your roommate(s). Obtain a permission slip from the Dean of Students that allows a friend or roommate to use your student ID to purchase meals for you while you are in isolation. If you must go out, wear the mask provided. ALWAYS remember to wash your hands frequently and use proper respiratory etiquette.
What will my professors do if I miss class while I'm sick?
-All faculty are aware of the impact flu may have this season on class attendance. They have been instructed to be lenient on class absences related to flu and should not require a doctor’s note for missing class. Make sure you e-mail your professors if you are going to be missing class so they can make any necessary arrangements with you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jennifer Rogers, Director of Student Health Services at 801.832.2239 or via email.
