Communications

Date: Mar 1, 2010

To: All U.Va. Students

From: James C. Turner, M.D., Executive Director, Student Health

Subject: Consider H1N1 Vaccine before Spring Break

I have just received preliminary reports from the American College Health Association indicating an increase in the number of cases of influenza among college students, particularly in the Southeast (including Florida and the Gulf Coast states) as well as in the Midwest. We have also seen a slight increase of cases in Virginia.

Flu could spoil your Spring Break plans, or you could take the flu home to your family or friends.

Student Health strongly encourages all students to get vaccinated against the 2009 H1N1 flu. Public health officials have predicted that another wave of H1N1 influenza is likely to occur, but it is unclear whether the current increase in activity reflects the beginning of this wave.

Student Health has several hundred doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine remaining. Please consider being vaccinated before leaving for Spring Break. H1N1 vaccination is available Monday through Friday during business hours. Please visit https://www.HealthyHoos.virginia.edu to register for your appointment.

Also, as a reminder, keep the Centers for Disease Control healthy travel recommendations in mind. See http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx. Also remember to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap is not available.
• Cover coughs and sneezes in your arm or sleeve, or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.
• Keep hands away from your face; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, and avoid people who are ill.
• Don't share food, drinking glasses or drink beverages mixed in a common utensil or bowl.

I hope you have a restful, enjoyable, and safe spring break.