H1N1 & Seasonal Flu Information
Award-winning Video
"If Only We Could See..."
URI's Harrington School of Communications invited all students to create a 30- or 60-second PSA that provides advice about the H1N1 flu virus. Students were encouraged to use information from health providers and health agencies regarding the virus. URI Film Media students Ethan Gallo and Kevin Krasko received the first place prize in the contest for their PSA-"If Only We Could See...". Entries were judged by a panel of health and film experts, and three cash prizes were awarded.
Update...
September 24, 2010
To comply with a federal recommendation calling for universal flu vaccination this season, the University will hold 11 clinics at all four of its campuses to make getting vaccinated as convenient as possible. The federal Centers for Disease Control and the state Department of Health are recommending that all people six months old and older get vaccinated.Last year, those who wanted maximum protection needed two shots - one for seasonal flu and the other for H1N1. Only one shot, which will include H1N1 vaccine and vaccine against other strains, will be needed this flu season. The University has hired the Wellness Company to run the clinics and administer the vaccinations. The company provides wellness services to adults and children across the country.
All of the following clinics are open to students, faculty and staff. You may walk-in or register online at http://thewellcomp.com for any of the clinics:
Providence Campus, Washington Street
(company login - uriprov)
Oct. 4 and 14, 1:30 to 5 p.m.
Oct. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
W. Alton Jones Campus
(company login - uriwg)
Oct. 7, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Maple Room
Narragansett Bay Campus
(company login - urinar)
Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Coastal Institute, large conference room
Kingston Campus
(company login - urifac)
Oct. 5, 6, 14 and 15, 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., Memorial Union, America's Cup Room (to the rear of the Ram's Den)
Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom
Oct. 13, 9 a.m. to noon, Memorial Union Atrium I
To register online, visit http://thewellcomp.com."Despite all the media attention that H1N1 flu received last year, the unfortunate truth is that complications from seasonal flu viruses hospitalize and kill college students across the country every year, said David R. Gifford, director of the state Department of Health, in a letter to the university. Because of close living quarters, communal bathrooms and high levels of social activity among your students, the flu will be circulating on your campus again in the coming academic year. Vaccination is the most effective way to limit the spread of the flu and to keep your students in classrooms, on athletic fields, and out of student health centers."
Click "Register Now", then "Flu-Worksite Events", then enter one of the following "company login" codes listed above for the location you'll attend: (Providence: uriprov; Alton Jones: uriwg; Narragansett Bay: urinar; Kingston Campus: urifac)
Since last year's crisis, Henderson said the big challenge would be to convince members of the campus community that maximum participation in prevention efforts is essential. "Our message to everyone will be that if you get the vaccine and follow good health practices you will be healthier and so will the community," said Chad Henderson, director of Health Services. Like last year, Health Services personnel are emphasizing the differences between colds and the flu.
For further information, visit www.uri.edu/news/h1n1, www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and www.health.uri.edu.
August 2010
Based on the success of the school-based H1N1 flu vaccination clinics during the 2009-2010 flu season, URI and many schools will host seasonal flu clinics in the fall of 2010. Unlike last flu season when H1N1 flu and seasonal flu vaccines were administered separately, a single shot will protect against both viruses this flu season.
Last year the University was well prepared for a potential H1N1 flu outbreak. We thank the students, faculty, and staff for their thoughtful attention and actions in dealing with this serious matter.
The Rhode Island Department of Health has released some good information (pdf) regarding the flu.
For details, information sheets and more go to http://health.uri.edu/showarticle.php?id=173
Students needing medical advice or assistance can call Health Services at 874-2675. The community may check the University's website established specifically for H1N1 updates: http://www.uri.edu/news/h1n1.html
What you should know about H1N1
The majority of individuals who contract this virus will not need to seek a doctor's treatment. Faculty, staff, and students who are ill with flu should remain at home (or in their room) for 24 hours after they are fever-free (and without medication that would lower temperature). A mild, lingering cough may occur. Barring any other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent students from returning to class.
If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of the virus can take up to three days. If you experience any flu symptoms within this time period, please stay home to limit the spread of the virus. If you are pregnant or if you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should consult with your physician or campus health services.
Members of the university community are advised to visit the following websites for information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the disease:
What to have on campus
Students on and off-campus should have these supplies:
- personal thermometer (non-mercurial)
- tissues
- hand soap and alcohol sanitizer
- disinfectant wipes
- possibly a small package of surgical masks
These items are important to your wellbeing and will be especially useful if the flu starts circulating on campus.
Prevention
It is important for all faculty, staff, and students to take the following flu/respiratory disease precautions:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Do not share drinks, utensils, cigarettes, etc.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, particularly after you sneeze, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
- Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
As this is not a gastrointestinal viral infection similar to the norovirus, intensive cleaning for food facilities (beyond normal cleaning) is not needed.
