1. Who should be vaccinated?

• All UI Faculty and Staff should consider receiving influenza vaccination, however, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies the following as priority groups: health care personnel who provide direct patient care, individuals who have chronic health conditions, those who have children under 6 months, individuals over age 50 and pregnant women.

2. What are the flu symptoms?

• High fevers, muscle aches, extreme tiredness, headaches, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough.

3. What are good health habits that help prevent the spread of flu?

• Get revaccinated every year.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Virus is often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with virus and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Flu virus can live on objects from 2-8 hours. Disinfect contaminated surface areas and objects with household cleaners.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

4. In what time frame am I infectious and could transmit to others?

• Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory tract virus transmitted in respiratory droplets by person to person coughing and sneezing. You are infectious one day before symptoms and up to 5 days after becoming sick.
• Each year flu viruses change, so everyone must be re-vaccinated each year.

5. How soon does the flu shot protect me and for how long?

• Protection occurs 2 weeks after vaccination and lasts for approximately 3-4 months.

6. Can the flu shot cause the flu?

• No, the flu shot does not contain a live virus and cannot cause the flu.

7. What are common side effects of getting a flu shot?

• Sore arm, muscle aches, and/or low-grade fever.

8. Is the Intranasal Influenza Vaccine (Flu Mist) being offered in the UEHC Flu Shot Program?

• Intranasal Influenza Vaccine Flu Mist- (a live virus) will NOT be offered by UEHC.

9. Can I get a flu shot after November 14, 2008 when the scheduled flu clinics end?

• Yes, you will need to call UEHC @ 356-3631 to schedule an appointment time. Free flu vaccination by appointment only will be provided by UEHC until December 31, 2008. After this time you will need to contact your primary care provider.

10. If I am a student, where do I get my flu shot?

• UI Students are to go to Student Health Services.

11. Will there be an influenza vaccine shortage this year?

No.

12. Where can I find more information on the flu?

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu
• Iowa Department of Public Health Website: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/adper/flu.asp

13. When must you get the flu vaccine?

• The best time to get a vaccine is October or November, but you can get it in December or later.

14. Why do I need a vaccine every year?

• Virus changes slightly from year to year, so the vaccine has to be changed to provide protection from the strain of flu that will be circulating that year.