On Sept 8, students, faculty and staff received the following e-mail notice: The seasonal flu as well as H1N1 will be appearing in increasing numbers as the Fall 2009 semester continues. Prevention is better than trying to treat the illness. Your best preventive measure is to wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing, and before touching your face. Cough into a tissue and discard it in a trash can. Wash your hands again. Use a hand sanitizer if you do not have access to running water and soap.

A second preventative measure is vaccination. This year there will be the Seasonal Flu vaccination and an HINI vaccination. All adults are encouraged to get the seasonal flu vaccination.

This vaccination helps our older adults from getting the flu and possible complications. The first vaccination will be Sept. 16 in Roy Nicks Hall (room 160) from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. The cost is $25 and payment may be in the form of cash, credit, check or ID Bucs.

A second flu clinic dealing with H1N1 will be coming in mid October. Dates are pending due to manufacturing processes and the vaccine release date for public use. H1N1 is a new strain of influenza that is targeting our population less than 24 years of age. This vaccination series will be two injections. The first injection is separated from the second injection by 3 weeks. Several H1N1 Flu clinics will be located at various sites across campus. These injections will be free of charge.

Watch for details as to locations and dates. Seasonal flu shots will also be available at ETSU Family Medicine on a “walk-in” basis at a later date. Additional information will be provided when vaccine is available. For more information, call 423-439-4225.

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