Fall 2009 Newsletter

Student Health Services Health News- Fall 2009

Preparing For Flu Season 2009

Every flu season has the potential for serious illness, especially for people at higher risk for flu related problems, but officials at the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta are more concerned this year because of the novel H1N1 strain of flu, also called “Swine Flu”. There is a chance that it may cause more serious cases of the flu than usual, and the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect anyone from this strain of flu.  A vaccine is in production, but when it becomes available it may only be recommended for those at high risk for problems.

So, how can you keep yourself well this season?   Here are some suggestions:

• Get your seasonal flu shot.  Other strains of the flu are still out there.
• Keep your eyes and ears open for news about whether you will need the new vaccine when it becomes available.  If you’re not sure, ask your doctor.
• Don’t put anything in your mouth that was once in someone else’s mouth.
• Don’t drink out of glass/cup/can after someone else.