Health Alerts » October 2005

Brady Health will only be administering the inactivated influenza vaccine to students who desire to reduce their risk of influenza this season. Vaccinations will be BY APPOINTMENT starting Wednesday, October 26, 2005 . The following are the priority groups for vaccination with the inactivated influenza vaccine

• adults aged 65 or older
• persons 2-64 with underlying chronic medical conditions (including people who have long-term health problems with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney diseases, metabolic disease such as diabetes
• persons with certain conditions as neuromuscular disorders that can cause breathing problems
• people with weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other dieases affecting the immune system, long term treatment with drugs such as steroids and cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• all women who will be pregnant during influenza season
• persons 6 months - 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy

Influenza vaccine is also recommended for adults 50 - 64 years of age and anyone else who wants to reduce their chance of catching influenza. Students living in dormitiories or under other crowded conditons should also consider vaccinations

General measures to prevent influenza should be kept in mind by all this flu season. To help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu

• AVOID CLOSE CONTACT with people who are sick
• STAY HOME when you are sick
• COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• CLEAN YOUR HANDS
  Wash frequently with soap and water and/or use the waterless alcohol based hand sanitizers especially after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze
• AVOID TOUCHING YOUR EYES, NOSE OR MOUTH
  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

For further information please visit the following web sites or call the health center at 301-687-4310

Other information can be reviewed at the links listed below

Influenza: Key Facts

Influenza: Protecting Yourself

Influenza: The Disease