A physician's note confirming the flu is not required from students absent due to flu-like symptoms. This process will continue to be monitored and reviewed. Students who become ill with other medical matters should still provide a physician's statement.

Nov. 20

H1N1 clinic moves to The Loft

The Alberta Health Services H1N1 flu immunization clinic that was previously held in the Olympic Oval is now located in The Loft, the café on the fourth floor of MacEwan Student Centre.

Beginning today, all children under 18 years of age (as of Nov. 1) as well as their immediate family members and caregivers living in the same household are eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine.

A full list of all the groups now eligible for the vaccine can be found at www.albertahealthservices.ca/887.asp.

Those who qualify for the vaccination are encouraged to drop in between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Fridays to Sundays. The clinic is open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday. Proof of age is required (Health Care card, birth certificate or other valid identification).

For more details and the latest information on immunization clinics and times, visit Alberta Health Services at www.albertahealthservices.ca/887.asp.

For more information on how the University of Calgary is preparing for the H1N1 pandemic, visit www.ucalgary.ca/emergencyplan/influenzaH1N1.

University experts answer questions about H1N1 Pandemic

The H1N1 pandemic can be confusing and real answers are sometimes hard to find. The Calgary Institute for Population and Public Health (CIPPH) at the Faculty of Medicine wants to set the record straight and help you get the answers you need. CIPPH is hosting a public forum on the H1N1 pandemic, inviting the public to send their questions for experts to answer.

"Our Institute wants to connect to the public on topics of importance to their health and health care," says CIPPH's director, and head of the Department of Community Health Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Tom Noseworthy.

Topics will include:

• Why should I get an H1N1 vaccine?
• How are vaccines developed?
• When should I seek medical care for flu symptoms?
• Interactions between the H1N1 virus and human and animal health.

FORUM
Where: Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, (Libin theatre)
When: Tues Nov 24th 7-9pm
Forum open to the public

People are encouraged to send their H1N1 questions in advance by email to
cipph@ucalgary.ca and others will be collected at the door.

How to reduce the spread of Influenza

• Clean hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. When done correctly, this is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of infections. Download the hand washing poster here.
• Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
• Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected.

Other steps to keep healthy include:

• Healthy eating
• Maintaining an active lifestyle
• Getting enough rest and sleep

If you’re sick or have symptoms of respiratory illness

• Stay home and limit unnecessary contact with others.
• If your symptoms worsen (shortness of breath, dehydration, worsening fever, cough or weakness) contact your doctor, the U of C Wellness Centre at 403.210.WELL or HEALTHLink Alberta at 1-866-408-5465.