The University of Prince Edward Island is taking steps to minimize the impact of H1N1 and educate our campus community about the virus.
There will be an on-campus vaccination clinic for students, faculty, and staff on Wednesday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. There is no charge for the vaccine. Please bring your health card. International students are asked to bring their student ID card in lieu of a health card. Anyone in a high risk category is advised go to the nearest off-campus clinic for earlier vaccination.
Hand sanitizers have been installed and H1N1 hand-washing signage has been posted across campus; the frequency of cleaning high-touch areas has increased; and UPEI’s Pandemic Planning Committee continues to meet on a regular basis.
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and faculty is our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation to provide the information you need to protect yourself and those around you.
UPEI senior management will work closely with the PEI Department of Health to monitor the H1N1 status on campus over the coming months. Unless advised by the PEI Department of Health to do otherwise, the University will continue to operate as normal.
NOTE: We will provide additional information as it becomes available. Please check back for regular updates. (Last updated on November 20, 2009.)
The H1N1 flu virus (often referred to as the Swine Flu) is a new flu virus that has been reported around the world. The World Health Organization has declared it to be a pandemic influenza virus.
It includes respiratory symptoms with fever and cough and one or more of the following:
sore throat, muscle aches, joint pain, or weakness. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also be present and a fever might not be prominent.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has prepared an H1N1 guide. It is avaialble at:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/guide/pdf/h1n1_guide-eng.pdf
Influenza Assessment Clinics
Due to increasing numbers of patients with influenza-like symptoms going to walk-in clinics, doctors' offices and emergency departments, the PEI Department of Health has opened Influenza Assessment Clinics across the Island. At the Influenza Assessment Clinic, symptomatic people can be assessed and, if necessary, receive treatment. For more information about the clinics, go to http://www.gov.pe.ca/flu/index.php3?number=1029820&lang=E
The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the following to prevent infection:
The H1N1 vaccination clinic for students, faculty, and staff will be held on Wednesday, December 2, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the main gymnasium area of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. There is no charge for the vaccine. Please bring your health card. International students are asked to bring their student ID card in lieu of a health card. Click here for more information.
Note: Regular seasonal flu vaccination clinics will be scheduled on campus as usual, at a later date. These do not protect against H1N1 but they are effective against seasonal flu.
If you need medical attention, contact your family physician or health professional for an evaluation. Or go to the nearest Influenza Assessment Clinic. For more information about the clinics, go to http://www.gov.pe.ca/flu/index.php3?number=1029820&lang=E
For general H1N1 information, you can contact 1-888-748-5454 or call 368-4996 during office hours.
The publication “Public Health Guidance for Post-Secondary and Boarding Schools regarding the Prevention and Management of Influenza-like-illness (ILI), Including the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza Virus” is available at: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/alert-alerte/h1n1/hp-ps/psili-eng.php