Medical Services
2009 Influenza A H1N1 Information
National and International enhanced Influenza Surveillance is under way. Infection caused by 2009 Influenza A H1N1 virus is associated with travel to affected areas in Mexico. There have been reported cases in the United States. Read the "Frequently Asked Questions" provided by the CDC.
Symptoms are similar to any flu like illness and include:
- Fever (greater than 100)
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Stuffy nose
- Chills
- Headache and Body aches
- Fatigue
People returning from travel to an affected area or have been exposed to someone possibly infected with swine flu during the last 7 days should report their illnesses to their health care provider immediately and inform them of their recent travel. View regions under investigations at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm. IMPORTANT: Call your health care provider - Do not go to the office unless you are directed.
People traveling to affected areas should be aware of the risk of illness with swine flu and take precautions. More info at: http://cdc.gov/travel
- Reduce your chance of infection by avoiding contact with ill persons
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home if you are sick
- Wash your hands frequently
Influenza Campaign
The 2009 Influenza Campaign will start in October. At that time, students, faculty and staff can come to the SHCC and get a flu shot Monday-Friday from 8:00a to 11:30a or 1:00p to 4:00p. Cost is $5 for students and $25 for faculty and staff.
UF students and staff who fall into the high risk category are encouraged to get their flu shot. High-risk individuals include the following:
- Persons with chronic illness like asthma, diabetes and hypertension
- Persons age 50 and older
- Health care workers and health care students with direct patient contact (Health care workers should read the common misperceptions sheet created by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID)).
- Pregnant women
- Household contacts or caregivers of children < 6 months of age
- Household contacts or persons caring for a family member with cancer or any disease that causes immunosuppression
The cost for Flu Shots remains $5 for students and $25 for employees.
Credit card, cash and checks will be accepted at the main SHCC and SHCC at Shands. Students may also defer the $5 charge to their UF account at the main SHCC and SHCC at Shands clinics. Outreach clinics take cash or check only.
Read an article from Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine entitled "Influenza Vaccination Among College and University Students"
