Influenza season has started on the UW Seattle campus. Hall Health has seen several patients (mostly students) with influenza-like illness (ILI). We are anticipating that most of these cases will be the novel H1N1 influenza virus (”swine flu”) and will be mild.
Updates on the campus situation will be posted as needed from Jean Haulman, M.D., Associate Medical Director for Public Health and Immunizations.
About H1N1 influenza
The H1N1 novel influenza virus causes an illness that is very similar to seasonal influenza. The H1N1 virus is a mixture of human and animal genes. This virus has the potential to mutate to a virus that could cause serious disease.
Symptoms and self care
The majority of ill persons have mild symptoms with improvement in 3-4 days and do not require a medical consultation. Self Care information is provided for you to learn what you can do to feel better should you become ill with flu-like symptoms.
You can return to school or work when you are feeling well and you have not had a fever for 24 hours (without taking any fever-lowering medications for 24 hours).
When to seek medical advice
If you are at an increased risk of complications from H1N1 influenza and develop a fever greater than or equal to 100°F (38°C) and a cough or sore throat, you should contact your medical provider. In addition, if you develop more serious flu symptoms, you should also seek medical care. See Self Care: When to Seek Medical Advice for more information.
H1N1 vaccine
11/23/09 Update: Hall Health Primary Care Center has received a very limited supply of H1N1 vaccine.
Criteria for who can receive the H1N1 vaccine at Hall Health:
Must either have UW student ID or UW staff/faculty ID or be an established HHPCC patient AND meet at least one of the following criteria:
- children 6 months – 4 yrs old (regardless of health status)
- Persons age 5 yrs – 24 yrs old (regardless of health status)
- Persons age 25 yrs – 64 yrs old with chronic medical condition
- People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age (immediate family members may also be immunized if one family member is an established patient, per clinical nursing judgment)
- Pregnant women
- Health Sciences Student (regardless of health status, up to 64 yrs old)
See Campus Updates for more information about H1N1 influenza vaccine availability at Hall Health.
