January 26, 2010
February and early March are typically when peak flu season occurs in this part of the country. Because of the H1N1 pandemic of the past nine months, we don’t know if this will hold true again this year. A number of different scenarios are possible, including no rise in flu cases at all, a third wave of H1N1 flu, an outbreak of non-H1N1 influenza similar to previous years, or a combination of these scenarios. Because H1N1 is a new strain of influenza, this virus may or may not cause flu cases beyond the normal flu season (into the spring and early summer).  No one knows. Given the uncertainty, please consider getting an H1N1 flu shot if you haven’t already (available free at Student Health Services.)

December 16, 2009

During the Dec. 9-15 timeframe, 5 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

December 8, 2009

During the Dec. 3-8 timeframe, 17 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

November 17, 2009

During the Nov.18-24 timeframe, 17 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

November 25, 2009

As of this date,  a limited supply of H1N1 flu shots remain. If any student, staff or faculty member wishes to receive the vaccine, please drop by and get one or call ahead to schedule a visit. Additional supplies of the vaccine continue to be ordered from the Connecticut Department of Public Health but because of limited availability of this vaccine, we cannot be guaranteed we will receive any or all that we request.

Also, keep your eyes open for the possible return of the seasonal flu vaccine at local retail outlets such as CVS, Walgreens. Supplies of that vaccine are expected to improve in December. At this time, no decision has been made by the University to order any additional seasonal flu vaccine above and beyond the 350 doses that were given earlier this semester. If and when more seasonal flu vaccine is obtained, we will let you know.

November 17, 2009

During the Nov.10-17 timeframe, 49 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

CDC Update, November 17, 2009

H1N1 Vaccine Supply

• H1N1 Vaccine Allocation.  Total available as of Nov. 16 is 47.65 million doses.

Influenza Illness and Disease

• The H1N1 virus activity remains widespread in the U.S., with 46 states reporting widespread activity.  While ILI declined overall nationally, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness remain higher than what is seen during the peak of many regular flu seasons.  Approximately, 6.7% of doctor’s visits for the current reporting period were H1N1-related (a decline of one percent from last week), which is above the national baseline of 2.3%.

H1N1 Vaccine 

• Although the H1N1 vaccine supply overall is improving every day, there is -- and will be -- variability in supplies and demand at the local provider level (e.g., individual clinics or physicians may have less vaccine than needed).  As the 2009 H1N1 vaccine supply situation improves, more people in priority groups will be able to get vaccinated, and do so with greater ease.
• The top priority for available vaccine is reaching people in targeted populations.  How people in these groups are reached will vary from state to state, as well as within communities.  Some states may do vaccine dissemination through doctors’ offices, schools, workplace clinics, local healthy departments, etc. Putting vaccine where people typically go is most critical.

Other

American Diabetes Awareness Month.  Diabetes is one of several underlying conditions that can increase complications of the flu and is recommended in the target population for H1N1 vaccine.   

November 11, 2009

During the Nov. 3-10 timeframe, 33 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

November 3, 2009 Update

During the Oct. 28-Nov. 3 timeframe, 16 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

November 2, 2009 -  H1N1  FLU  SHOT  ALERT

H1N1 flu shots will be given out on Wednesday, November 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lower level of the Student Health Service Bldg to students with serious medical conditions such as asthma, heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, and immune system disorders. Persons with these types of medical conditions are at an increased risk of having complications from the flu should they become infected with it.  Please stayed tuned for additional H1N1 flu shot alerts in the coming weeks.

October 30, 2009 Update

During the Oct. 21-27 timeframe, 12 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

October 27, 2009

New England is finally catching up with the rest of the country in terms of flu activity; we are now seeing widespread pretty much everywhere in the region. Western Connecticut State University has had more ILI (“influenza-like illness”) activity than Eastern up to now, which is not surprising as the illness has been moving in a northeasterly direction. For the great majority of people, H1N1 flu remains a relatively mild illness, with fever and aches lasting 3-4 days and a cough lasting somewhat longer. If you get a chance, please check out the flu care and prevention information on the home page of FluWatch.  

We are also in the process of getting the H1N1 vaccine. Because the initial supply is limited, doses we do get will be given to high priority groups — those with medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart, kidney, liver, immune system diseases, etc.) that put them at high risk for having flu complications. The initial focus will be on students with underlying medical conditions because their age puts them at even higher risk. Persons who are caregivers to infants under six months of age also have priority status. For anyone who is pregnant, we recommend you consult with your obstetrician regarding the vaccine. And we encourage everyone to check with their primary care providers for H1N1 vaccine availability. 

October 21, 2009 Update
During the Oct. 15-21 timeframe, one case of influenza-like illness (ILI) were reported on the Eastern campus. ILI symptoms include fever in excess of 100 degrees that cannot be explained by another diagnosis, plus one or more additional flu-like symptoms—cough, body aches, sore throat, etc.

October 2, 2009

October 1, 2009