H1N1 shots will be available at no charge to University of Illinois students, staff and faculty who are under the age of 25 or between the ages of 25-64 with chronic medical conditions. No documentation of illness required. Present your I-card at the walk-in clinic in the Pine Lounge at the Illini Union on Tuesday, December 8th and Thursday, December 10th from 10am to 2pm. Available to the first 800 each day.

H1N1 Information – McKinley

We’ve been hearing about the H1N1 virus (or Swine Flue) for quite some time, but now that 40,000 young adults are living and working together again, this flu is getting serious. As reported by the DI today, eight students have been diagnosed with H1N1, and one of those cases is in the Armory House. According to Dr. David Lawrance, a spokesman for McKinley Health Center, “One in three students will become infected with the H1N1 virus by winter break.”

Now don’t get too worried. This is just a prediction, and we should be able to handle this. As reported by The Quad in late April, it is important to be aware of the signs and preventative measures:

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include fever of greater than 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, avoid contact with ill persons; when you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you don’t have a tissue), and throw the tissue in a trash can; after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel; if you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, and stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).

For more information, visit the McKinley Health Center Web site: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu

UPDATE: Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Flier

This is serious. If you are sick, get help; don’t spread it.

In a massmail today, McKinley health director Dr. Palinkas told students who will be graduating and have flu-like symptoms to not shake others’ hands…

Because of ongoing concerns about the possibility of spreading the flu
virus, students receiving degrees and their families should not shake
hands at Commencement if they have symptoms of an upper respiratory
infection such as fever and cough.

McKinley Health Center will provide hand sanitizer on the platform at the
Assembly Hall ceremonies so that graduates can, if they wish, use it
before and/or after receiving their degrees. Members of the official
platform party also are encouraged to use the hand sanitizer provided.

Everyone is encouraged to observe the other guidelines to reduce the risk
of infection, such as covering coughs and sneezes; avoiding touching eyes,
mouth and nose; and washing hands frequently.

Robert D. Palinkas, M.D.

Hm… Really? I thought this was past us?

In an effort to defer further spread of the Swine Flu, the University of Illinois at Chicago has banned the ceremonial handshake from commencement activities.

In an e-mail sent out this week, students were told it’s because of “the ongoing concerns regarding the Influenza A-H1N1 outbreak.”

“It really offends my southern sense of hospitality when I cannot shake each of your hands, but I am sure that you will all understand and even appreciate that we are just trying to keep everyone safe,” said the woman handing out diplomas at UIC.

I think this is a little too much. Is it really necessary to ban handshakes? That’s a pretty important part of the ceremony… grab the diploma in your left hand and shake with your right.

What do you think?

University Of Illinois At Chicago Bans Graduation Handshakes As H1N1 Precaution – AHN

I know you are tired of hearing about the so-called Swine Influenza, but for your safety, I thought I’d share a letter from McKinley:

Public health officials on campus and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza – commonly known as swine flu.

The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include fever of greater than 100 degrees F, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, avoid contact with ill persons; when you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you don’t have a tissue), and throw the tissue in a trash can; after coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel; if you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible, and stay at home or in your hotel room. Seek medical care if you are severely ill (such as having trouble breathing).

For more information, visit the McKinley Health Center Web site: http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu

Stay healthy out there!

Research from the University has recently concluded that drinking caffeine before a workout can reduce muscle soreness. Some 25 young men took part in the study where they were given a placebo or a caffeine pill prior to working out on two separate occasions. The men varied between those who drink coffee regularly and those who don’t.

The researchers found a statistically significant reduction in quadriceps muscle pain after giving the caffeine compared to the placebo pill. Both men accustomed to consuming caffeine and those who were not habitual caffeine drinkers demonstrated reduced pain with caffeine ingestion prior to exercise testing.

So as it turns out, coffee may be good for your health!

Thanks Illinois.

Muscles Sore After Exercise? Sip Caffeine – WebMD

A recent study by the University proves that canned foods are just as good for you as the fresh or frozen version.

Studies by universities — the University of Illinois conducted two, while the University of Massachusetts did another — confirmed that canned fruits and vegetables are comparable in nutrition to their fresh-cooked and frozen counterparts, making them a convenient and economical way for North Americans to eat healthy.

Most people shy away from canned foods claiming they are not fresh and that they taste bad. While both of these facts may be true, they are known to be cheaper and apparently just a nutritious as fresh food.

So save yourself some money this week and buy a can.

A can and a plan – Edmonton Sun