UNM is planning far in advance for what could be a very significant flu season. Not only is the UNM Health Sciences Center planning for the annual seasonal flu, but also the next anticipated wave of the H1N1 flu, sometimes called “swine flu.”

For the seasonal flu, HSC has ordered 45,000 doses of vaccine to administer through HSC’s clinical facilities on – and off‐campus. When the vaccine is received, HSC will publicize dates, times and locations where people can get a flu shot. Locations will include UNM Hospital, Student Health Center, Lobo Care Clinic and UNM family clinics throughout the city.

While the seasonal flu vaccine is important for people who fall into high‐risk categories, it will not be effective against the H1N1 influenza. That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and vaccine manufacturers are hard at work developing a separate vaccine, expected to be available in September or October. Unlike the seasonal flu vaccine which takes only one dose, the CDC anticipates protection against the H1N1 virus will require an initial vaccination followed by a booster at a later date.

One reason UNM is working hard to prepare for a potential H1N1 outbreak is that unlike the seasonal flu, which primarily affects infants and the elderly, the World Health Organization reports that the H1N1 influenza has disproportionally affected people 6 – 24 years old. That age group is a CDC priority for receiving the vaccine, and HSC and UNM will work with the New Mexico Department of Health to administer pandemic vaccine to students within that age group when it is available.

In addition to getting the vaccine when it is available, what else can people do to protect themselves?

The CDC recommends the following:

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol‐based hand cleaners are also effective.

* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* If you are sick, stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom‐free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

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