Update for Sept. 16, 2009

H1N1 (or Influenza-Like-Illness)

As the first semester progresses so does our monitoring and reporting of the H1N1 flu cases at the University of St. Thomas. The incidence of H1N1 (or Influenza-Like-Illness) at the University of St. Thomas during the second week of classes continues to rise as expected with gradually increasing numbers of students developing this illness. 
 
The University has implemented numerous preventative measures to reduce the spread of germs including the installation of hand sanitizers in building locations where large groups of students gather including cafeterias, athletic facilities, libraries, etc. The following information is shared with your student via Bulletin Today and the UST Pandemic webpage www.stthomas.edu/pandemic.

A total of 32 cases of H1N1 have been reported at St. Thomas with most students having fully recovered and returned to classes.  Thirty percent of these cases occurred in students residing in residence halls and the remaining cases in students commuting from off-campus housing. There currently is no strong pattern or clusters of cases to report; however, we continue to be vigilant in assessing for this type of activity. A weekly update will be published on St. Thomas' Pandemic Web site every Wednesday. Any rapid increase or cluster of activity will be shared more immediately with the community via Bulletin Today or a Bulletin Update e-mail.

We continue to work closely with local, state and national health departments in monitoring this epidemic and will share pertinent information in these weekly updates.

Watch for H1N1 clinic dates

The H1N1 vaccination is expected to be available in mid-October. The St. Thomas H1N1 flu clinic dates will be posted on both the Pandemic Web site and Student Health Service Web site when vaccine becomes available.  Students who need urgent medical advice may contact the Student Health Service at (651) 962-6750.  Students with high-risk medical conditions should call the Student Health Service or another health-care provider promptly if they become ill with H1N1 or Influenza-Like-Illness symptoms.

Seasonal flu clinics start September 18th

The seasonal influenza clinics will begin Friday September 18th in an attempt to complete these flu clinics prior to the mid-October release of the H1N1 vaccine. This flu shot will not protect your student from H1N1 influenza; however, it will decrease their chance of contracting seasonal influenza. The cost of the shot is $20.  Students may bill their student accounts.
Friday, Sept. 18
8:30 am to 4 pm
Koch Commons LL02
St. Paul campus
Tuesday, Sept. 22
12:00 pm to 4 pm
Terrence Murphy Hall LL01
Minneapolis campus.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
McNeely Hall 100
St. Paul campus