Flu season update

Dalhousie is continuing to manage the impact of H1N1 on the campus. Heading into late fall and winter, the university continues to watch trends of absenteeism on campus due to illness and keeps a keen eye on vaccine supplies in the province.

Canada has struggled with a shortage of HINI vaccine and public health clinics around the country continue to give priority to the most vulnerable. So far, the vaccine is limited to people in certain high-risk groups, including adults under the age of 65 with chronic health conditions.

Those in the Dalhousie community that fall into the identified high-risk categories can get vaccinated for H1N1 at a public health clinic. (See the list of upcoming clinics, Nov. 18 to 21.)

Additionally, those in the identified high-risk groups can attend a special H1N1 flu vaccination clinic at Health Services in Howe Hall on Coburg Road on Thursday, November 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary. If unable to attend the clinic, watch www.flu.dal.ca for daily updates on alternative clinics which will be set up as more vaccine becomes available.

The university has yet to see a significant jump in absentee rates. This is also strep and mono season and a number of students would typically be out with these ailments as well as the seasonal flu. The university continues to monitor those trends and Dal students and staff are reminded to report absences to their professors and supervisors.

“It is a credit to those from every corner of the campus who are going above and beyond to make sure we are ready for whatever comes,” says Bonnie Neuman, vice president of Student Services and chair of the university’s Infectious Illness committee. “Everyone has shown great flexibility and great tenacity in making sure we are prepared to deal with every probability. These qualities will serve us well as we push through the coming months.”

To mitigate the spread of the virus, people with flu-like symptoms are reminded to stay home until they’re well again. And until the vaccine becomes more widely available, take steps to avoid illness by washing hands carefully, keeping hands away from the face and covering mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

Please check in at www.flu.dal.ca for updates on vaccinations and other developments in the efforts to contain the spread of H1N1.