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Health Services

Flu Information

Get Updates about H1N1 Flu from the CDC Site

E-mail Letter to Parents and Students about H1N1 Flu (9/14/09)

E-mail Letter to Parents and Students about H1N1 Flu (8/24/09)

E-mail Letter to Students about H1N1 Flu (8/17/09)

Letter to Parents about H1N1 Flu (8/6/09)

H1N1 Flu Mist Clinic

No Needles

Who: Students age 24 and under, without underlying medical conditions; Faculty/Staff without underlying medical conditions who are caregivers of infants age 6 months and younger

When: Monday, November 23rd

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Just walk in – No appointment needed

Where: Dining Pavilion - The Egg/Center Stage

Cost: FREE

Please note: Only persons without underlying medical conditions are eligible for Flu Mist

Sponsored by the Kent County Health Department and Washington College Health Services

Flu Shots

Washington College will offer an H1N1 flu vaccine clinic on Wednesday morning, November 4, 2009 beginning at 9 AM in the Health Center for Washington College STUDENTS up to 25 years of age with documented high risk medical conditions. Vaccine will be given on a first come first serve basis. Please note that there will not be enough vaccine to inoculate all students with high risk conditions at this time. We do expect another shipment of vaccine within the next couple of weeks. The campus community will be notified when we have received the next shipment and another clinic is scheduled.

In addition, Walgreens has notified us that they will be receiving a shipment of H1N1 vaccine in the next several days and will be able to offer vaccine to our students at their Chestertown location. Health Services will send an email to the campus community when Walgreens receives their supply.

Please continue to use preventative measures such as hand washing, frequent use of hand sanitizers, covering coughs and sneezes, wiping down frequently touched surfaces and social distancing. Do not go to classes, the dining hall, athletic practices, games, or campus events if you have flu like symptoms. Please call Health Services at 410-778-7261 for an appointment if you have any flu like symptoms. For more information refer to our web page.

We encourage all students to obtain a seasonal flu vaccination either through resources available at home or in the Chestertown area. Health Services received only a limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine this year and so is no longer able to provide seasonal flu vaccines.

There are several options to help you find a location where the seasonal flu vaccine is available, including your family physician, some chain drug stores, and local health departments. In our continued efforts to prevent the spread of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu on campus this year, all members of the campus community are encouraged to obtain both a seasonal flu vaccination and an H1N1 flu vaccination when it becomes available.

Students unable to obtain a seasonal flu shot at home have some options locally including nearby pharmacies (within walking distance) or the Kent County Health Department walk-in flu clinics at the main health department building every Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon beginning October 30.

Health Services has ordered the H1N1 vaccine and hopes to have delivery by mid-November (however, please be aware this is subject to availability).

H1N1 Flu

H1N1 flu (also referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of novel H1N1 was underway.

At this time there are no changes to the College's operations or activities as a result of H1N1 flu but Washington College is preparing for a more widespread flu season than normal. Our planning and procedures may change as guidance from the Center for Disease Control or state and local health authorities' change or as campus circumstances warrant.

Flu shot clinics for H1N1 flu vaccine will be posted on this website once the vaccine is made available. Please check back for updates.

Take everyday steps to protect your health

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze or use hand sanitizers available in highly trafficked areas of buildings throughout campus.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and then throw the tissue away and wash your hands. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper arm. Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.

Wipe down frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, phones, key boards, etc. at least daily.

Maintain a distance of 3-6 feet from others especially if they appear ill or are coughing or sneezing.

Get enough sleep and eat a well-balanced diet. If you are run down you will be more susceptible to illness.

Monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of flu.

Signs and Symptoms of the flu

If you have these symptoms

Do not go to class, the dining hall or campus events. It is important that you notify Health Services at ext 7261 or 410-778-7261 as soon as possible for further instructions. If Health Services is not open please self isolate in your room and follow the instructions at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/sick.htm

Students, faculty and staff with flu like illness will be advised to go home to be cared for by family and to minimize the risk of spreading H1N1 to others. Students, faculty, and staff should not return to campus until fever free for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications. Arrangements will be made to assist students who are unable to return home.

Warning Signs and Symptoms for Adults with Flu

If you have any of the following symptoms or you are at high risk for complications contact your health care provider immediately.

High risk conditions include pregnancy, asthma, heart disease, diabetes or any chronic medical condition that compromises the immune system.

In an emergency please call 911.