H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

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Mesa State College is closely monitoring the international outbreak of novel H1N1 influenza A (also known as "Swine Flu").

There have been a few confirmed cases of H1N1 and several students with influenza-like illness within our student population. Mesa State College is working closely with the Mesa County Health Department to monitor cases in our county. The college has a plan in place to deal with an outbreak of infectious diseases.

Faculty, staff and students who are mildly ill with flu-like symptoms should stay home. Students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have an influenza-like illness should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their dorm room or home for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities (their fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine). They should keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick. If a student is a campus resident, they need to alert a Resident Assistant either in person or by calling the Housing Office (970-248-1536); arrangements will be made to have meals brought to ill students.

If faculty, staff and students become ill, they should call the Health Sciences Department to report the illness (970.248.1129) to help monitor for trends on campus. In addition, if symptoms are severe or one is at higher risk due to pre-existing health conditions, they should contact their physician or, the student healthcare provider, immediately by calling 970.256.6345.

The College will continue to work closely with the Mesa County Health Department to prevent the spread of this illness. The Center for Disease Control is not currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gatherings. Mesa State College officials will consult with local health officials regarding an appropriate response as this situation progresses.

When vaccine becomes available this fall, Mesa State College will work with local health officials to arrange a vaccination clinic on campus to distribute the vaccine to those individuals who are at risk.

This website and the campus web portal, MAVzone, will be updated with new information as it becomes available.

Vaccines

Mesa County Health Department is expanding the priority groups who can schedule H1N1 vaccination appointments. The group is expanded to include individuals 5-64 years of age who have chronic medical conditions; the 1,000 available appointments were previously limited to individuals 5-24 years with chronic medical conditions.

Here is how someone 5-64 years of age with a chronic medical condition can schedule an appointment:

• Online:Visit the Mesa County Health Department’s website at www.health.mesacounty.us and click on the red button that says "Schedule H1N1 Vaccine Appointment."
• Telephone: If you do not have internet access, you can call the Health Department at 970.683.6636 to schedule an appointment.