Influenza Update

The number of students with H1N1 has declined rapidly over the past 2-3 weeks. A month ago Student Health Services was seeing up to 25 cases a week, and are now seeing 1-2 cases per week at most. Epidemics are known to come in waves, and experts are predicting a third wave of H1N1. Some predict this third wave as early as January; other experts say February or March. The best thing students can do in light of this probable third wave is to get immunized. The more people that are immune to the illness, the less severe this third wave will be.

Student Health Services is giving free H1N1 vaccine to students now and will continue to do so while supply lasts. This information was communicated to students and posted on the Student Gateway, Parent Gateway, and the Student Health Service's Common's Bulletin Board. The Health Services staff asks you to encourage your student to get vaccinated.

Seasonal flu vaccine is still in short supply throughout our region. The good news is that at this point in time there has been no seasonal influenza in Iowa. Student Health Services, as well as other local medical offices, is still hoping to get a shipment of vaccine in December. As soon as we get seasonal influenza vaccine we will post this information on the Student Gateway, Parent Gateway, and the Student Health Service's Common's Bulletin Board. If your student is unable to get a seasonal flu vaccine here and has an opportunity to get one at home over winter break, we recommend that they get immunized before coming back for Term 5.

Be wise and immunize. In addition to being ill, having the flu on the block plan can often mean a withdrawal from a class. Now is the time to get ready for the upcoming flu seasons - H1N1 and Seasonal.