From Gloria Algeo, R.N., Director of Health and Wellness

RE:  Fall 2007

Last year was a terrible flu season and this year is threatening to be even worse. Schreiner would like to provide the opportunity to not only our students and employees but also their families to assure the highest flu carrier group, ages 5-14 years old, also have a chance to receive the flu vaccine. We will offer the flu shot ($25) and the intranasal flu mist ($30).

We have two Flu shot clinics scheduled during October and November that will be open to students, staff, faculty and their friends and family. If you are planning to attend one of the flu clinics and are planning to bring family members or friends with you, please e-mail me to ensure we have enough flu vaccine at the clinics.

The first flu clinic is scheduled from 10 am to 2pm on Thursday, October 18, 2007 in the CCAC Dance Room. Flu shots will be $25.00 cash or check. Benefit eligible employees will be able to sign for their flu shots without paying and Human Resources will submit their billing information to Benefit Planners (FiServe) as they did last year.

Those 14 years and older will be able to get a flu shot without a doctor’s prescription but if younger than 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent.

Family members aged 3 to 14 will need a doctor’s prescription.

Children younger than 3 will not be eligible for flu shots at this clinic but will be at the clinic on November 7th.

The second flu clinic is scheduled from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2007 in the CCAC Dance Room. Because this clinic is being conducted by Boerne Acute Care, all children will be eligible for flu shots. Flu mist will also be available for those who meet the flu mist criteria. Flu shots will be $25.00 and nasal flu mist will be $30.00, cash, check or credit card.

Annual vaccination against influenza is recommended for:  All persons, including school-aged children, who want to reduce the risk of becoming ill with influenza or of transmitting influenza to others;  all children aged 6–59 months (i.e., 6 months–4 years); all persons aged >50 years; children and adolescents (aged 6 months–18 years) receiving long-term aspirin therapy who therefore might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza virus infection; women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus; adults and children who have immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus;  adults and children who have any condition (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration; residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities; health-care personnel; healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of children aged <5 years and adults aged >50 years, with particular emphasis on vaccinating contacts of children aged <6 months; and healthy household contacts (including children) and caregivers of persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from influenza.

There will be no nurse on campus during Fall Break - Monday, (10/8/07) and Tuesday 10/9/07. Health and Wellness will be open only for insurance issues from 9am until 1pm.

In the event of minor illness or injury, The Peterson Minor Care Center is open from 10am until 8pm Monday through Saturday and 12N until 8pm on Sundays. The center is located at 1740 Junction Highway, Kerrville (just west of Wal-Mart on the north side of the street). As a walk-in medical clinic for minor illness and injury, they can treat sore throats and colds, ear infections and fevers, flu symptoms, sprains and strains, minor lacerations, insect and animal bites, minor eye injuries, rashes and minor burns. Testing includes lab tests, x-rays and rapid strep screen. Patients with more serious medical problems such as acute abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, chest pain or broken bones should go directly to the hospital emergency room for a more extensive medical evaluation.

Alert: We continue to see numerous cases of cold viruses and other types of upper respiratory tract infection on campus and are beginning to hear about some gastrointestinal flu-like viruses (stomach flu – vomiting and or diarrhea).

If you or someone you know has been sick with these types of symptoms, please contact Health and Wellness at 830-792-7279 or e-mail health@schreiner.edu as we are trying to track any trends in illness on the campus. Additionally, we can help you with some triage or medical advice!

The following guidelines should be used on a daily basis to prevent all types of infections including pink eye, stomach flu, cold viruses, seasonal influenza, etc. Please note that #4 and 8 are the most important thing you can do on a daily basis to protect yourself from these types of illnesses!

1. Practice good health habits, including eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, and getting sufficient rest

2. Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

3. Put your used tissue in the waste basket.

4. Clean your hands (soap/water or alcohol sanitizer) at EVERY opportunity.

5. Remind your doctor, nurse, and other healthcare workers to wash their hands before they touch you.

6. Don’t visit hospitalized friends or family if you are sick.

7. Avoid others who are sick or coughing. Practice 3 feet social distancing when ill or others are ill.

8. Do not share drinks or other food items.

9. When ill, stay home from work, school or places where there are many people such as class, grocery stores and movie theatres.

10. Notify your professors as soon as is possible regarding class absences.

Utilizing these guidelines should help you to have a healthy fall break and get you back to Schreiner ready for the new challenges that await you!

Gloria Algeo, R.N., Director of Health and Wellness
Phone: (830) 792-7279