Media Relations

Author: Kathryn S. Date: Friday, January 11th, 2013

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We have received several inquiries regarding the flu activity and if there are vaccines still available.

Currently, the CDC still recommends receiving the vaccine if you have not already received one this season.  As of 1/11/13, WKU Health Services has approximately 70 doses still available. 

Influenza activity continues to increase in 9 of the 10 regions of the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness (ILI) several weeks before the usual time of late January or February, according to CDC’s latest FluView report.   The other U.S. region, the Southwest and California, had “normal” flu activity last week. 

The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and antiviral treatment as early as possible for people who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications.  The vaccine will reduce the risk of getting the flu and/or may reduce the severity of the illness, preventing pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions of flu.

Norovirus Concerns:  In addition to the flu, there has also been an increase in the Noroviruses (AKA “Stomach Flu”).  Infection with these viruses affects the stomach and intestines and causes an illness called gastroenteritis.  These can be spread quickly.  There is no vaccine, nor any treatment for Norovirus.

To help reduce the spread of infection of the flu and/or norovirus, please follow these steps:

• Stay home if you are sick
• Do not share food or drinks with people
• Practice proper hand hygiene – wash your hands
• Clean surfaces and wash laundry (be aware that it is difficult to disinfect surfaces contaminated with the Noroviruses)
• Rinse food and cook thoroughly
• When you are sick don’t prepare food or care for others
• See your physician if symptoms are severe
• Get the flu vaccine

Important Seasonal Flu Information:  The flu vaccine covers the H1N1 virus, H3N2 virus and influenza B virus.  

• To expedite services, please read the Patient Rights and Responsibilities and complete the Adult Consent Form prior to your arrival. If you are a new patient, please also complete the New Patient Form.
• For more information about seasonal flu please visit: http://www.wku.edu/healthservices/seasonal-flu/seasonal-flu.php
• For FAQ’s of this year’s seasonal flu, please visit: http://www.wku.edu/healthservices/seasonal-flu/documents/wkuhs-seasonal-flu-faq.pdf