Swine flu updates
FLU SHOTS
The university will be administering flu shots to students and university employees at the fall Health Fair, Wednesday, November 3. Any Western student or employee interested in being vaccinated must complete the online appointment scheduler and print out a copy of the consent form that they receive and bring it with then to their appointment. You will need to provide a valid student or employee ID and a medical insurance card to receive the vaccine, which is offered at no cost. If you have any questions, contact the VNA at (203) 792-4120 or the university Health Services Department at (203) 837-8594. Please consult with your regular health care provider about whether you should get the flu vaccine.
Please continue to follow the simple rules that should help you avoid getting or spreading the flu: wash your hands frequently; cover your cough; if you feel sick, go home; if you live on campus, make arrangements to move temporarily to a friend’s room if your roommate becomes sick.
The university is making available disinfecting solutions that students can use to clean their own rooms. Resident directors will have more information. Maintenance staff has been cleaning the high-traffic common areas in residence halls and other areas of the university on an increased schedule.
Below is a list of questions about the virus and what to do if you feel sick. The answers will help you decide whether you need to go home to recover or call your family doctor.
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
- abrupt onset of cough
- sore throat
- runny nose/congestion
- muscle aches
- headache
- shortness of breath
- fever over 100.4
- vomiting
- diarrhea
If you have these symptoms, go home, get plenty of rest and drink fluids. If your symptoms get worse: your temperature goes over 102; you become dehydrated and you are unable to retain fluids; you have difficulty breathing; or you have chest pains — go to the nearest Emergency Room
Sign up for a time slot on Nov. 3
Resources
Here are some Web sites that offer useful information about the H1N1 virus and ways that you can prepare for its arrival in the U.S. this fall.
- WCSU Health Service:
http://www.wcsu.edu/healthservices/generalinfo.asp - Centers for Disease Control:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ - Connecticut Department of Public Health:
http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/site/default.asp - City of Danbury:
http://www.ci.danbury.ct.us/content/41/188/20222.aspx
