HU Offering Free Flu Vaccines to Students, Employees

Hampton, VA - Hampton University is advising students who have flu like symptoms to contact the HU Student Health Center at 757-727-5315. Students with underlying health conditions that develop these symptoms should also contact their healthcare provider if they become ill with fever and flu-like symptoms, since the flu may be more severe in these individuals.

HU is offering its students, faculty and staff, with valid HU IDs, free seasonal flu and H1N1, also known as swine flu, vaccines to protect against the viruses. The university is partnering with the Hampton Health Department in the effort.

The seasonal flu vaccine is being offered Oct. 8 and 9. The H1N1 vaccine is being offered Oct. 27 and 30. The vaccines will be offered in the Student Center Ballroom. Dates are subject to change, however, depending on vaccine availability. Doses are available on a first come first serve basis.

Among other key populations, smokers and persons who’re obese are at greater risk of contracting H1N1, said Darylnet Lyttle, Family Nurse Practitioner of the HU Health Center.

Symptoms of the novel H1N1 flu virus in people, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. On its website, the CDC offers the following tips to prevent H1N1 spread and contamination, and to maintain a healthy lifestyle:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting
them.

HU has initiated its pandemic plan and it has been successful in reducing influenza like symptoms on campus. All students who’ve presented themselves with influenza like symptoms have recovered and returned to class.

HU has installed hand sanitizers in student common areas, an emergency alert is posted on the university home page, and the campus’ monthly publications and radio station will broadcast information about protection against the H1N1 virus. Information sheets on H1N1 were also available during summer session and fall registrations.

“Communication and preparation are essential,” said HU Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Barbara Inman. “Although we hope Hampton University is not impacted by this virus, it is better to be proactive than reactive.”

Students and faculty can contact the HU Health Center at 757.727.5315 for more information.