H1N1 Flu

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has undergone extensive planning and preparation in anticipation of the effects of major flu outbreak on campus or in the Knoxville area.

Throughout the emergence and spread of H1N1 flu over the past few months, we have worked to keep members of the campus community informed about the best ways to avoid catching or spreading H1N1 and other forms of what is called ILI, or Influenza Like Illness.

We will keep the information on this page up-to-date over the coming weeks and months with information on vaccinations, precautions and policy and procedure changes that may arise from any flu outbreaks on campus. You can always find extensive information on dealing with flu and ILI in the "Medical Issues" section of the Student Health Service Web site.

Below, you'll find basic tips and strategies for limiting the spread of H1N1 and all other ILI, schedule updates for campus vaccines, and more information about H1N1 from UT Knoxville experts.

Tips and Strategies

Typical symptoms of ILI are fever, cough and sore throat, and the H1N1 flu virus is particularly contagious. Key prevention measures include:

Wash your hands often with soap and warm water, especially before eating and after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If a tissue is not available, cough into your shirt sleeve.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Do not share your food, drink or utensils with others.
Avoid close contact with sick people. Onset of symptoms can take up to three days after you've been exposed to the virus.
If you become sick, stay home and avoid contact with others until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours. A mild, lingering cough may occur and, barring any other flu symptoms, this shouldn't prevent resumption of normal activities.

Vaccine Schedules

Health professionals recommend that all members of the campus community be vaccinated for both the regular seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu virus.

A campus-wide vaccination for the seasonal flu is planned for September 16, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom. The vaccination is open to students, faculty and staff for a cost of $20.

More information will be provided to members of the campus community when the H1N1 vaccine is available. It is anticipated that for the H1N1 vaccine to be effective, it must be given in two shots, spread over a number of weeks. UT Knoxville will provide vaccinations for H1N1 at no cost to members of the campus community.

Campus Health Care Services

Student Health Service
1818 Andy Holt Ave.
General information: 974-3135
Appointment desk: 974-3648
Hours: 8–11:45 a.m. and 1–4:30 p.m., weekdays

UT Medical Center—Emergency Center
1924 Alcoa Hwy.
305-9000
Hours: 24 hours, seven days a week

Students can receive medical treatment at UT Medical Center after 5 p.m. weekdays and on weekends. A valid student ID is required.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Videos

The CDC has produced several informational videos about H1N1 and distributed them distributed YouTube.

In the video below, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC's Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of H1N1 flu and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.