How To Prepare for Swine Flu This Fall

As you likely know by now, the H1N1 flu virus is a concern for school systems, colleges and universities nationwide as students prepare to return to class this fall. Here's what Columbia College Chicago is doing and recommending with regard to this issue.

Vaccination: Through October 9, the City of Chicago will offer seasonal flu shots at no charge at 45 one-day flu clinics. The next free clinic close to campus is Tuesday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 78 E. Washington St.

Students, faculty, and staff are advised to get a seasonal flu vaccination as soon as is reasonably possible. To get a seasonal flu shot, contact your personal physician or other healthcare provider. You may also visit a free City of Chicago vaccination site and receive a seasonal flu shot at no charge. Please note that this information is for seasonal flu vaccinations only, not H1N1 flu vaccinations, which are not yet available.

Download a list of free seasonal flu clinic times and locations

Additional seasonal flu shot Chicago locations can be found on the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health website (pdf).

The Student Health Center has a very limited supply of the seasonal influenza vaccine available at a cost of $25.00 to Columbia College students. For more information, please contact the Health Center, 312.369.6830.

Prevention: First and foremost, prevention is one of the most effective ways to deal with Novel H1N1, also known as swine flu. To help stop the spread of this illness:

• Get a flu shot.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth as this spreads germs.
• If you experience flu-like symptoms, call your primary health-care provider; students should call Student Health Services at 312.369.6830.
• Limit contact with others if you are sick and stay home from school or work.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s newest guidelines released August 20 recommend that people with H1N1 or influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100hF [37.8FC]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. (For more information, please visit www.flu.gov or http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.)

You have access to and can reach the Student Health Center at 731 South Plymouth Court, or 312.369.6830. Columbia College Chicago has been advised by the Chicago Department of Public Health that a quantity of the H1N1 vaccines will be available to be distributed, and you will be notified as more information is received.

If this year’s flu season becomes more severe, Columbia may take the following additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus:

If you live at home, you should remain at home, following the CDC guidelines for recovery. If you live in a residence hall, anticipate using the following protocols:

• If you live in the Midwest, be encouraged to return home to continue your recovery. Whenever possible, if you're returning home to recover, you should travel by private vehicle rather than public transportation.
• If you and family members live outside a driving distance from the College, you would be expected to begin making arrangements now, with someone who is in commutable distance to assist in picking you up, in the event you become ill.
• In the event that you are unable to make arrangements, the College will work to isolate you during your recovery period. Residence Life may ask students to vacate their current spaces in order to isolate those who are ill.

In the meantime, remember that the H1N1 situation is subject to change as the flu season progresses. Please keep up with the latest recommendations and news about H1N1 by visiting the Columbia College Chicago website and these additional resources:

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