The H1N1 flu is widespread throughout the world. Fortunately, the vast majority of cases are mild and, at this point, the H1N1 virus appears no more severe than most seasonal influenzas. This strain does seem to be more frequent in children and young adults, because those who are younger than 50 years of age have not yet had contact with a similar type of this virus.
This site will be updated as new information becomes available. We strongly recommend that all members of the University community take precautions to prevent the spread of th H1N1 and the seasonal flu, and help maintain the health of our community.
January 11, 2010 - Approximately 950 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine are available to all University of Northern Iowa students.
The free H1N1 vaccinations will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20, in the lower level of the Commons on a first-come, first-served basis. UNI students must bring their UNI identification card with them. The clinic will be for students only. Faculty and staff interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccination should contact their local healthcare provider.
This will be the second H1N1 vaccination clinic held at UNI. The first clinic took place in December 2009.
The Black Hawk County Health Department recommends receiving the H1N1 vaccination even if an individual has already been sick to help fight off future exposure to the flu.
December 4, 2009 - One thousand five hundred doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine have been made available to University of Northern Iowa faculty, staff and students age 24 and younger and students of all ages with chronic health conditions.
The free H1N1 vaccinations will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11, in the lower level of the Commons on a first-come, first-served basis. The UNI students, faculty and staff seeking vaccination must bring their UNI identification card with them.
The Black Hawk County Health Department recommends receiving the H1N1 vaccination even if an individual has already been sick to help fight off future exposure to the flu. Additional H1N1 vaccination clinics will be scheduled as supplies become available.
October 23, 2009 - The UNI Student Health Clinic is seeing a higher number of students showing flu-like symptoms for this time in a fall semester. The primary symptom of the H1N1 flu is a temperature of 100º F or greater. The Center for Disease Control indicates that most people with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus have a fever that lasted 2 to 4 days. Students should still be using the recommended preventative measures.
Students with flu symptoms should be sure to drink plenty of fluids, like water, fruit juices and clear soups. This will help soothe your sore throat and ensure you do not become dehydrated. Students also need to make certain to get plenty of rest; SLEEP at least 7-9 hours per night. This will help give your body time to recover. If you have the flu stay at home or in your residence hall; don't go to class, work, shopping, events or other public places. Avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after your fever has dropped below 100 degrees F without the use of fever-reducing medication.
The Student Health Clinic is still offering students a flu kit at no charge. The kit will include a digital thermometer, generic Dayquil, Claritin, lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissue, and masks. If you are living off campus, have a friend visit the Student Health Clinic to pick one up for you. For students living in residence halls, contact your hall front desk by phone or e-mail.
Update on H1N1 vaccine
The Black Hawk County Health Department has received limited amounts of 2009 (H1N1) influenza vaccine. Although there is currently not enough vaccine available for widespread use, these initial shipments will expand in the coming weeks. UNI hopes to have H1N1 vaccination clinics in late November or early December.
October 1, 2009 - The University of Northern Iowa has experienced confirmed cases of students with the H1N1 influenza. The Black Hawk County Health Department has confirmed other H1N1 cases with in the county. We are committed to the health and safety our college community and appreciate your participation in safe and healthy practices. The CDC has also placed individuals younger than 24 in the top priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available. More information will be forthcoming.
- September 18, 2009 - UNI sees first confirmed H1N1 case.
The Black Hawk County Health Department confirmed today that a University of Northern Iowa student tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The virus specimen was submitted for testing several days ago. The male student, who lives in a Cedar Falls apartment, is now symptom- free and has returned to classes.
Students are encouraged to take steps to prevent the spread of the flu including receiving their seasonal flu vaccine.
- September 3, 2009 - Letters sent to all students, parents, academic affairs and all employees about H1N1.
A special flu message from Elmo
The majority of people who contract this flu will get better on their own and will not need to seek a doctor's treatment.
If you experience flu symptoms and you are pregnant, have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, heart or lung problems, or a weakened immune system, you should contact the Student Health Clinic for further guidance by calling the resource nurse at 319-273-5161. (After hours, contact Nurse-on-Call at 319-272-2600).
The H1N1 flu is a strain of flu, and is different from the seasonal flu that many people get each fall.
After having had the H1N1 flu, a mild lingering cough may occur. If you have no other flu symptoms, this cough should not prevent you from returning to class and/or work.
If you have been in contact with someone who has the flu, onset of symptoms can take up to three days. So, if a person you're normally in close contact with (like a roommate) develops symptoms of the flu, it is likely too late for you to avoid exposure to the virus.
Preventing the spread of the flu
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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Do not share food, drink, or utensils.
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Avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms.
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Frequently clean your living and working quarters. Frequently clean commonly-used surfaces such as doorknobs, refrigerator handles, remote controls, computer keyboards, countertops, faucet handles and bathroom areas.
Two-thousand free seasonal flu vaccinations have been distributed to UNI students
UNI students have responded to keeping the campus community healthy by receiving seasonal flu vaccinations at record numbers. Two thousand seasonal flu vaccinations were made available to UNI students free of charge beginning Tuesday, Sept. 22. As of Wednesday, Sept. 23, all two thousand vaccinations have been distributed to UNI students. The flu vaccinations were available on a first-come, first-served basis for students only.
Because UNI's supply of flu vaccinations have been distributed, UNI's Student Health Center is recommending students contact their personal health care providers to receive the season flu vaccination. Seasonal flu vaccinations are also available for a fee at the following locations in Cedar Falls:
Hy-Vee, 4000 University Avenue
Medicap Pharmacy, 103 East 18th Street
Walgreens, 2509 Whitetail Drive
Cost may vary at each location.
All students are encouraged to get a vaccination for the seasonal flu. This is not a vaccination for the H1N1 flu, but having it will help the overall population at UNI remain healthier.
The primary symptom of the H1N1 flu is a temperature of 100º F or greater. Signs of a fever are that you feel warm, you have a flushed appearance and/or you are sweating or shivering.
You should check your temperature with a thermometer and while you are not under the influence of any fever-reducing medications (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Other symptoms include:
- body aches
- runny or stuffy nose
- cough
- headache
- tiredness
- sore throat
- nausea
- vomiting or
- diarrhea
What to do if you have the flu
Stay at home or in your residence hall; don't go to class, work, shopping, events or other public places.
Avoid contact with other people until 24 hours after your fever has dropped below 100 degrees F without the use of fever-reducing medication.
If you miss class, contact your faculty member (in advance if possible) by e-mail for information on what to do.
If you miss work, contact your supervisor (in advance if possible) by e-mail. Student employees will not be penalized for being absent due to flu.
For students living in residence halls, contact your hall front desk by phone or e-mail. A flu kit will be provided to you at no charge. The kit will include a digital thermometer, generic Dayquil, Claritin, lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissue, and masks.
For students living in residence halls, pre-packaged meals will also be provided. These will be comprised of liquids and foods recommended by the Student Health Clinic as being appropriate for persons with flu symptoms.
For students living off campus, a flu kit will be provided to you also at no charge. Have a friend visit the Student Health Clinic to pick one up for you.
- In most cases, you do not need to see your doctor when you have the flu. However, if you have any of the symptoms below call the UNI Student Health Clinic 319-273-5161 or after hours, contact Nurse-on-call at 319-272-2600.
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain or pressure in the chest
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever or worse cough
Additional Information
Centers for Disease Control
Iowa Department of Health
World Health Organization