Update on Influenza for Vanderbilt Faculty and Staff
This fall we expect both seasonal influenza and the new H1N1influenza to be common in Nashville. You can take these everyday steps to prevent the spread of flu:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Clean your hands often with alcohol-based hand gel or soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone
- Take the seasonal flu vaccine each year
- Take the H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available (the 2009 seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against novel H1N1 influenza)
The seasonal flu vaccine program begins September 21, 2009 with the ever-popular Flu Tent. Visit the seasonal flu vaccine calendar for times and locations.
This year, novel H1N1 influenza vaccine will most likely start in late October or early November.
Just tell us what’s up with you, and we’ll advise you on what to do!
More information regarding Vanderbilt's H1N1 preparedness can be found at http://emergency.vanderbilt.edu/plans/flu/h1n1virus.htm