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Health precautions
December 1, 2009, 9:12 am
As complaints of influenza-like illness (ILI) reported to University Health Services dropped to a record low for the semester, UHS announced plans for a large-scale H1N1 vaccination clinic to be held this Friday at the SERF (Southeast Recreational Facility).
Twelve students were evaluated at UHS for influenza-like illness (ILI) between Nov. 22 and 28, a week that included the Thanksgiving holiday. Two percent of visits to the primary care clinic were for ILI.
UHS has recently received 4,000 doses of vaccine against H1N1 influenza (aka “swine flu”). All registered students age 24 and under are now eligible for vaccination.
The clinic will be held Friday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is needed, just a valid student ID. The SERF is located at 715 W. Dayton St. Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions, Student info
November 23, 2009, 4:11 pm
University Health Services is currently offering H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine for registered UW–Madison students. These vaccinations are free and are available without an appointment at the main UHS location, 333 East Campus Mall.
H1N1 vaccination is available to UW students who fall into the following categories:
–All students age 24 or younger
–Pregnant women
–Students (regardless of age) with “high-risk” medical conditions, including asthma or other chronic lung disease; cancer; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; suppressed immune system; or kidney, liver, neurological, or blood disorders, including sickle-cell anemia
–Persons who live with or provide care for infants age 6 months or younger (examples: parents, siblings, daycare providers)
–Health care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
For additional details, visit the UHS website. Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions, Student info
November 23, 2009, 3:11 pm
Cases of influenza-like illness continue to decrease at University Health Services as campus heads into Thanksgiving weekend.
In addition, H1N1 vaccine is now available at UHS to registered UW-Madison students who are age 24 and under, pregnant, have a “high risk” medical condition, are a caregiver to an infant less than 6 months of age, or are a health care worker.
In Week 12 of the fall semester (Nov. 15–21), UHS evaluated 35 students for influenza-like illness, down from 46 in the previous week. ILI encounters made up 2.6 percent of all primary care visits, again the lowest percentage since the semester began.
“We are seeing some positive signs on H1N1 and are hopeful that these trends will continue through finals,” says UHS director Sarah Van Orman. “To make it happen, we encourage everyone to receive H1N1 vaccine, either this week or upon their return to campus after the Thanksgiving Holiday.” Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions, Parent info, Student info
November 10, 2009, 9:11 am
University Health Services (UHS) evaluated 115 students for influenza-like illness in the semester’s tenth week (Nov. 1–7), the fourth-highest total since the start of the academic year. ILI encounters made up 7.8 percent of all primary care visits. In the previous week, 72 students contacted UHS about flu-like symptoms.
“We had a few weeks there where activity was fairly low, but I think we’re going to see more people affected in the coming weeks,” says Sarah Van Orman, M.D., executive director of UHS.
“People really have to focus on good and thorough hand washing, covering their coughs and staying home if they get sick,” she says. “It’s important that we all do our part as much as possible to keep this flu from spreading.” Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions, Student info
November 3, 2009, 10:11 am
Seventy-two students were evaluated for influenza-like illness (ILI) at University Health Services (UHS) in week 9 of the semester (Oct. 25–31), compared with 74 students the week before. Students with ILI represented 5.2 percent of all visits to the primary care clinic, as opposed to 6.5 percent in Week 8.
UHS services are available to all enrolled UW–Madison graduate and undergraduate students. For an appointment or urgent medical advice, call (608) 265-5600.
Link to Week 9: Oct. 25-Oct. 31, 2009 (PDF)
Read more about ILI reporting background
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions
October 30, 2009, 1:10 pm
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will offer daily seasonal flu vaccination clinic for employees this year beginning Monday, Nov. 2, running through Friday, Nov. 13. In a change from previous years, only the nasal spray version of the vaccine will be available at the November clinics, with delivery of the injectable version now expected in early December.
The university was advised by Home Health United, its vaccine supplier, that there have been delays in deliveries of the injectable version of the seasonal influenza vaccine. In response, the university has scheduld additional employee flu vaccination clinics in December, to accommodate the later injectable delivery date.
To view a calendar of all scheduled clinics, download the calendar. For more information, call Environment, Health and Safety at (608) 265-5000.
Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Faculty and staff info, Health precautions
October 28, 2009, 12:10 pm
Due to a nationwide delay in shipments of H1N1 vaccine, University Health Services (UHS) has postponed a large-scale H1N1 vaccination clinic originally scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. As soon as sufficient vaccine is delivered, all students will be notified via email as to when and where they can get vaccinated.
“We recognize this delay is frustrating to students,” says Sarah Van Orman, executive director of University Health Services. “But we still expect to receive plenty of vaccine. It will just take a little longer than we had hoped.”
As of Oct. 27, 407,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine had been allocated to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for statewide distribution. With less vaccine available than had been expected at this date, DHS issued new distribution recommendations that focus on groups considered to be most at risk of complications. Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions, Student info
October 27, 2009, 6:10 am
Evaluations for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased noticeably at University Health Services (UHS) for the first time in six weeks. In week 8 of the semester (Oct. 18–24), UHS evaluated 74 students with flu-like symptoms. ILI visits represented 6.5 percent of all visits to the primary care clinic. The previous week, there were 49 ILI diagnoses, and ILI visits made up 4.2 percent of primary care visits.
“We’re seeing ILI activity increase across the State of Wisconsin,” says Craig Roberts, UHS epidemiologist. “The national surveillance network indicates an increase in activity as well.”
“Particularly as we start to see more illness, it’s important to keep up those practices of frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home if you have any symptoms,” says Sarah Van Orman, M.D., executive director of UHS.
Halloween presents a special challenge this year, with the potential for thousands of people traveling to Madison to join the celebration. Read more »
Posted in Campus updates, Health precautions
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