ANNOUNCEMENTS 

H1N1 UPDATE

-October 1, 2009-

The Health Center is currently experiencing an increase in flu activity at this time.  Most patients reporting with flu or flu-like illnesses are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. In addition to the flu, it is noteworthy that there are the usual cases of mono, strep throat, colds, upper respiratory infections, as well as other viruses that are characterized by flu-like symptoms. 

It is extremely important to exercise good hygiene to prevent the spread of communicable illnesses.  Please do your part by taking the following steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• Cover your cough/sneeze.
• Stay at home and limit contact with others when sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

The University is taking measures to reduce the transmission of the H1N1 virus on campus and providing pertinent updates as they develop.  The university has ordered the H1N1 vaccine, but details regarding the delivery of the vaccine are unknown at this time.  This is a good time to remind everyone that, even though due diligence is in order, the particular concern regarding the H1N1 is not necessarily the severity of the illness.  The particular concern with this virus is the fact that it spreads very easily due to no natural immunity amongst those younger than 50 years of age.  This fact, once again, highlights the importance of good personal hygiene to reduce transmission of the illness. KEEP YOUR PAWS CLEAN!

Students that are experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact the Student Health Center or their medical provider.

The H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time.  We will inform the University community should it become available through the Health Center. 

SEASONAL FLU VACCINE AVAILABILITY

-September 25, 2009-

The Health Center, as well as other health care providers, are experiencing a high demand for the seasonal influenza vaccine.  The Health Center administered 1,324 doses of the flu vaccine to students on September 23rd and 24th.  To put this in perspective, the department administered as many doses to both students and employees over the course of four days last year. 

Consequently, the administration of the flu vaccine for employees has been rescheduled for Thursday, October 8th, and Friday, October 9th.  Further details will follow.

Students and employees that have not already received their vaccine can request it from their healthcare provider or the following Huntsville locations.  Please call to confirm dates, time, availability, and price.

LOCATION                 DATES                         PRICE                                       PHONE

Brookshire Pharm.      Oct.                               Call                                              (936) 435-1234

CVS Pharmacy           Oct. 8th                         Call                                              (936) 295-6448

HMH Clinic                   After Oct. 1st               Call                                              (936) 291-3219

Kroger                         Available now              $25                                             (936) 291-7977 

SH Family Clinic           Available now              $25                                             (936) 294-0152

Target                          October 10th & 31st    $25                                              (936) 649-3074

Wal-mart                      October 16th – 17th     $28                                             (936) 295-3041

Walgreens                   Available now              $25/$11 for SHSU employees    (936) 291-6764

                           This list is not all inclusive and is subject to change.

The H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time.  We will inform the University community should it become available through the Health Center. 

H1N1 UPDATE

-September 9, 2009-

A few students on campus have reported to the Health Center with flu-like symptoms.  However, the Health Center has validated only one case of Type A Influenza.  Although SHSU is apparently faring much better than some other universities thus far, it is extremely important to exercise good hygiene to prevent the spread of communicable illnesses.  Please do your part by taking the following steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Germs spread this way.
• Cover your cough/sneeze.
• Stay at home and limit contact with others when sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.

The University has formulated a plan to reduce the transmission of the H1N1 virus on campus and will provide pertinent updates as they develop.  However, this is a good time to remind everyone that, even though due diligence is in order, the particular concern regarding the H1N1 is not necessarily the severity of the illness.  The particular concern with this virus is the fact that it spreads very easily due to no natural immunity amongst those younger than 50 years of age.  This fact, once again, highlights the importance of good personal hygiene to reduce transmission of the illness. KEEP YOUR PAWS CLEAN!

Students that are experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact the Student Health Center or their medical provider.

KEEP YOUR PAWS CLEAN VIDEO

-September 8, 2009-

Video

FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE FOR STUDENTS

-August 31, 2009-   

The SHSU Student Health Center will administer the seasonal influenza vaccine free of charge to students on Wednesday, September 23rd, and Thursday, September 24th, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the LSC Atrium.  Students must present their ID card prior to receiving the vaccine. The vaccine is not available through the Health Center for students who are pregnant or nursing.  Students 17 years of age or younger must present a parental consent prior to receiving the vaccine.

Supplies are limited and the Health Center will administer the vaccine on a first come-first serve basis.  In the past, the department has accommodated everyone that requested the vaccine.  However, we anticipate an increased level of interest in the vaccine this year.  Consequently, students are advised to obtain the vaccine through other means if they have the opportunity. 

The availability of the H1N1 vaccine is unknown at this time.  We will inform the University community should it become available through the Health Center. 

FREE SEASONAL FLU VACCINE FOR EMPLOYEES

-August 31, 2009-   

The SHSU Student Health Center will administer the seasonal influenza vaccine free of charge to employees on Wednesday, September 30th, and Thursday, October 1st, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the LSC Atrium.  Employees must present their ID card prior to receiving the vaccine. The vaccine is not available through the Health Center for employees who are pregnant or nursing.

Supplies are limited and the Health Center will administer the vaccine on a first come-first serve basis.  In the past, the department has accommodated everyone that requested the vaccine.  However, we anticipate an increased level of interest in the vaccine this year especially amongst employees.  Consequently, employees are advised to obtain the vaccine through other means if they have the opportunity. 

The availability of the H1N1 vaccine is unknown at this time.  We will inform the University community should it become available through the Health Center. 

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE FLU: KEEP YOUR PAWS CLEAN

-August 24, 2009-   

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.  This is particularly important this flu season due to the H1N1 virus.   Most people below 50 years of age have no natural immunity to the H1N1 virus and, at this point, the H1N1 vaccine is not available.  Therefore, our best line of defense is to reduce the probability of exposure.  One of the most common ways people get sick is by rubbing their nose or eyes with their hands that have been contaminated.  Once your hands are contaminated, you can also spread germs directly to others or onto surfaces that you touch. 

The University has formulated a plan to reduce the transmission of the H1N1 virus on campus.  However, the most effective preventative measure is literally in your hands.  KEEP YOUR PAWS CLEAN.   Other effective measures that you can take include:

      - covering your nose and mouth with your sleeve when you sneeze or cough
      - not touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
      - avoiding close contact with sick people
      - staying home and away from work or school if you are sick

The University will continue to monitor the situation and communicate any significant developments regarding the H1N1 situation on campus through Today @ SAM.         

2009- 2010 FLU SEASON EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

-June 28, 2009-

CDC Flu Prevention Handout

Center for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Update

Texas Department of Health Services H1N1 Update

Keep Your Paws Clean Logo

What to Do If You Get Flu-Like Symptoms

YouTube Video "Symptoms of H1N1(Swine Flu)"

2009-2010 Flu Vaccine Information

SWINE (H1N1) FLU ADVISORY

-April 29, 2009-

The Sam Houston State University Student Health Center is monitoring the situation surrounding the incidents of the Swine Flu.  The Health Center obtains periodic updates from the local hospital as well as local, state, and federal health authorities.  At this time, we are not aware of any confirmed cases of the Swine Flu in the Huntsville Area.  However, this situation highlights the importance of good personal hygiene.  The following steps are extremely effective in preventing the spread of communicable diseases such as the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the  tissue in the trash after you use it.
•  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread that way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Students experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact the Student Health Center or other healthcare provider.  Flu symptoms include:

• Fever (usually high)
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Chills
• Extreme fatigue
• Dry cough
• Runny nose may also occur but is more common in children than adults
• Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, may also occur but are more common in children than adults

The Health Center will continue to monitor the situation and work with University administration and health authorities to address any issues that may arise.  Accurate and timely information regarding the Swine Flu can be found on the following sites:

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/swineflu/default.shtm

PHARMACY OPEN

- February 23, 2009 -

The Student Health Center's pharmacy is now open offering convenient access to prescription medications on the SHSU campus.  The pharmacy is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  The pharmacy can fill prescriptions written by outside medical providers as well as those written by the Health Center.  The pharmacy offers medications at discounted prices that are often less than insurance deductibles and co-payments.  Please contact the pharmacy at (936) 294-1803 for medication pricing and availability.

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS A HUGE SUCCESS!                              

- February 18, 2009 -

Life Without Limits was a huge success with over 1,000 attendees between the afternoon and evening programs.  More importantly, it was evident that the lives of many attendees were impacted.  Special thanks to the Dean of Students' Office, the Counseling Center, Student Activities, and One Music Square for their co-sponsorship.  Thanks also to the LSC staff for the operation and set-up of the venues.  Lastly, we greatly appreciate the support of the faculty and staff that brought students over.  It was very encouraging to see faculty escorting their classes to the event.   This was truly a special program.

LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

- January 7, 2009 -

On Tuesday, February 17th, at 2:30 p.m., in the LSC Theatre, Nick Vujicic will offer an inspirational message of hope to SHSU students.  He challenges others to choose a perspective that allows them to overcome obstacles and make progress toward reaching their full potential.  Nick speaks from his own experiences as a man born without arms or legs. Learn more about Nick and his program.

“In life, one occasionally has the opportunity of crossing paths with an individual with the ability to profoundly impact the lives of others.  I believe that Mr. Vujicic has that ability,” stated Keith Lott, director of the Student Health Center.

Life Without Limits is sponsored by the Counseling Center, Dean of Students' Office, Student Activities, and the Student Health Center.  Please contact Sarah Hanel, Health Programming Coordinator, at (4)4347 for more information.

ANNUAL FLU VACCINE CAMPAIGN COMPLETE

- December 2, 2008 -

The Student Health Center concluded its 2008 Flu Vaccine Campaign at the end of November when the 1,600 th dose was administered.  This year, 906 students and 521 employees took advantage of the free flu vaccine.

FREE FLU VACCINE FOR STUDENTS

- October 20, 2008 -

It is not too late! Free flu vaccines are still available for students at the Student Health Center while supplies last. No appointment is necessary. Students must present their Sam ID card prior to receiving the vaccine. Call 936.294.1805 for more information.

FREE FLU VACCINE FOR STUDENTS

- Sept 25, 2008 -

The SHSU Student Health Center will administer the influenza vaccine at no charge to students on Wednesday, October 8th, and Thursday, October 9th, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the LSC atrium.  Students must present their Sam ID card prior to receiving the vaccine.  Supplies are limited and the vaccine will be administered on a first come-first serve basis.  The vaccine will not be administered to any person 17 years or younger, pregnant, or nursing. 

In order to speed the administration of the vaccine, students are asked to come prepared with sleeves that can be easily adjusted to expose their shoulder.  There will be an area to disrobe with privacy screens, but an easily accessible injection site will make the process faster and more comfortable.

Influenza, also called flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.
“In addition to the flu vaccine, the most essential things students can do to avoid the spread of flu is to consistently wash their hands, avoid rubbing their noses, eyes and mouths, and continue a healthy lifestyle,” said Sarah Hanel, Programming Coordinator for the Student Health Center.
 
"With approaching exams and deadlines, students’ stress levels become escalated," Hanel said. "It is important to effectively cope with stress because high levels can weaken the immune system and increase a person’s susceptibility to illness."
In the United States, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and roughly 36,000 people die from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. Each vaccine contains three influenza viruses-one A (H3N2) virus, one A (H1N1) virus, and one B virus. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide protection against influenza virus infection develop in the body.  Despite commonly believed myths, a person cannot contract the flu from the flu vaccine.

“The Student Health Center’s mission is prevention and education," Hanel said. "Our goal is to minimize the spread of the flu on campus and keep students healthy and in class. The only cost to students wanting the vaccine is their time spent waiting in line."

For more information about the influenza vaccine or the administration process, visit www.shsu.edu/healthcenter or call 936.294.1805.

Health Center Pharmacy Services Temporarily Unavailable

- August 20, 2008 -

The Health Center's pharmacy services are temporarily unavailable due to the resignation of our pharmacist.  We are working to fill the position as soon as possible in order to restore on-campus access to affordable prescription medications.  Meanwhile, McNease Drugs has agreed to match our prices for most prescription medications excluding contraceptives.

McNease Drugs is located at 103 Medical Park Lane behind Huntsville Memorial Hospital.  They can be reached by phone at (936) 293-8333.

Programming Coordinator Brings Holistic Perspective

- August 1, 2008 -

Sarah Hanel began her employment as the Health Center's Programming Coordinator on July 16, 2008. In addition to her Master's degree from TAMU's School of Rural Public Health and experience as a patient educator at Scott & White Clinic, Ms. Hanel brings a holistic perspective to the Student Health Center's programming efforts.

"The challenge for students is to consider that health and wellness is not just about the physical component, it is about our experiences and the daily decisions we make.  My goal is to help students understand that the decisions they make today shape tomorrow", stated Hanel.

Ms. Hanel can be reached at 294-4347 or sbh007@shsu.edu.

Student Health Center Achieves Accreditation

- January 5, 2007 -

The Sam Houston State University Health Center has achieved accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Care (AAAHC) according to Keith Lott, Director of the Health Center. Approximately three years after deciding to pursue accreditation, the Health Center scheduled an on-site survey that was conducted this September. During the survey process, the department's performance in 24 broad categories including Quality of Care, Quality Improvement, and Administration were measured against rigorous and nationally recognized standards. On January 5, 2007, the Health Center was notified that it was awarded the highest degree of accreditation for a three year term.

"This achievement is an important milestone in the growth of our department that has taken place over the past six years. Such an accomplishment is not the result of one person's efforts or simplistic tasks completed over a short period of time. This accomplishment is a result of a sustained group effort effecting significant improvement in our department's operation. The favorable comparison of our departmental operations against the rigorous standards of a nationally recognized entity provides formal confirmation that our department has achieved excellence. Accreditation is a tangible indicator of how far we have come over the past six years," said Lott.

Upon notifying the Health Center of the accreditation decision, Roy Grekin, MD, the Accreditation Association President, commented, "Achieving accreditation demands a high level of dedication and effort. The SHSU Student Health Center is to be commended for this accomplishment."

Sam Houston State University joins the elite company of only four other public universities in Texas that have accredited health centers. Those universities include Texas A&M University, Texas State University, University of Texas, and University of Texas-Pan American . More information regarding accreditation and AAAHC can be found at www.aaahc.org.