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Information for Parents
What is UAHuntsville doing to respond to the H1N1 Influenza Outbreak?
The University is continuing to monitor the H1N1 situation, and the Communicable Diseases Management Team is prepared to implement the University’s Communicable Diseases Plan. We are also following the advice of State and Federal health authorities and are in regular contact with public health officials. At this time all operations are continuing as normal.
The University Communicable Diseases Plan addresses all aspects of the University’s business, not limited to but including student housing, travel by staff and students, reducing risk, managing reported cases and managing absenteeism.
Is there a vaccine available to protect my child against H1N1 flu?
There currently is no vaccine to protect people from H1N1. The CDC reports that the federal government and manufacturers have begun development and testing of a vaccine. The vaccine is expected to be available in mid to late October. If your child falls into one of the at-risk or high risk categories, you are urged to encourage him/her to obtain the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available.
The university hopes to partner with the local health department to become a distribution point for the H1N1 vaccine, and we have initiated dialog with the Alabama Department of Public Health. At this time we plan to implement a voluntary vaccination program for all students, faculty, and staff who fall into any of the H1N1 at-risk categories.
Seasonal flu vaccine is currently available through the UAHuntsville Student Health Center. The CDC is encouraging people to obtain the seasonal flu shot to reduce the likelihood of contracting regular seasonal flu. The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H1N1.
My child lives in University Housing - What steps will be taken if he/she becomes ill with flu?
In addition to the University’s Communicable Diseases Plan, those responsible for University Housing have been meeting regularly to develop contingency plans to manage students who may become infected.
Ill housing students who live close to campus are encouraged to recover at home. Those who cannot go home to recover are asked to self-isolate in their room. The University Housing staff have been working with the Student Health Center and our food service provider to ensure that sick students are able to receive food and medical care in their suite.
My child has a chronic health disorder - what precautions should we take?
Persons with chronic health disorders are urged to consult their family physician now to discuss their risk if infected by a flu virus. They should also discuss proper preventive measures, precautions, and procedures in the event they become sick.
Chronic medical conditions at H1N1 risk include, but are not limited to:
- Asthma, emphysema, C.O.P.D. and other respiratory illnesses
- Diabetes
- Compromised or suppressed immune systems
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Neuromuscular disorders
Pregnant women are also at high risk of complications if infected with an influenza virus.
If you or your child have any of the above conditions and become ill with flu-like symptoms, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
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