H1N1 Vaccine

UPDATE 2/2/2010:

San Diego County will have a series of FREE H1N1 clinics for the public:

  • 2/12 Escondido Swap Meet, 636 W. Mission Ave 3-7pm
  • 2/16 Corazon Senior Center, Oside 3-7pm
  • 2/17 Santee Farmers Market, 10445 Mission Gorge Rd. 3-7pm
  • 2/18 Jocelyn Senior Center, Escondido 10am-2pm
  • 2/20 Santee Swap Meet, 10990 Woodside Ave. Santee 8am-12pm
  • 2/20 South Region Public Health Center, Oxford St., Chula Vista 10am-2pm
  • 2/27 Wells Park Center, El Cajon 9am-1pm
  • 3/5 Joan Kroc Center 3-7pm

The county will also continue to offer the H1N1 vaccine at six County Public Health Centers and one Immunization Clinic. Visit www.sdcounty.ca.gov for locations and hours.

H1N1 vaccine is still available for students through the Nurses Clinic during regular hours. There is a $10 fee for students receiving the vaccine in Nurses Clinic.

Though H1N1 illness is decreasing at present, California is still reporting higher than usual flu activity, and we are still in the "widespread" category. Given the novel aspect of H1N1, it's course is not predictable, and we are being advised to be on alert for a possible "3rd wave". For this reason, vaccination is still being highly promoted.

County Public Health clinics

SD County Public Health has some supplies of H1N1 vaccine. The following is a listing of the Public Health centers. Call first to ask about hours, availability of vaccine and restrictions on who can be vaccinated.

  • Public Health Center, Central Region - 5202 University Ave., San Diego, (619) 229-5400
  • VIP Immunizations Clinic - 3177A Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, (619) 595-4452
  • Public Health Center, North Central - 5055 Ruffin Road, San Diego, 92123, (858) 573-7300
  • Public Health Center, North Coastal - 104 S. Barnes, Oceanside, 92054, (760) 967-4401
  • Public Health Center, North Inland - 606 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, (760) 740-4000
  • Public Health Center, South - 690 Oxford St., Chula Vista, (619) 409-3110.
  • Public Health Center, East - 855 E. Madison, El Cajon, (619) 441-6500

Get Well kits for students

Students can purchase a Get Well kit at Student Health for $5.00. The kit contains the following: a digital thermometer, acetaminophen, face masks (for use by students who are sick), and other items as available.

Flu Buddies!

Student Health Advocates can help if you're down with the flu! Monday through Friday, from 8am to 4pm, they can bring you a Get Well kit or a Flu Recovery Meal so you don't have to go out. Just e-mail FluBuddy@ucsd.edu to make arrangements.

How do I know if I have the flu?

The CDC defines flu symptoms as include fever (temperature of 100 degrees F [38 degrees C] or greater, or signs of fever such as chills, sweats, flushing, skin feeling hot) with cough and/or sore throat. In addition, you may experience headache, body aches, fatigue, nasal congestion, vomiting and diarrhea. To help determine if you have a cold or flu, and for more advice, complete this brief, anonymous flu questionnaire: http://studenthealth.ucsd.edu/shs-fluscreening.shtml

Read the CDC Q&A; about H1N1 here.

General information on H1N1 from the CDC.

Should I see my health care provider if I have flu symptoms?

In general, unless you are experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea or instability related to dehydration, persistent fever more than 3-4 days, or have a high-risk condition, you should stay home and use self-care measures.
High risk conditions include:
  • lung diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis or emphysema
  • heart disease
  • chronic kidney disease
  • metabolic diseases like diabetes
  • blood disorders like sickle cell or other severe anemia
  • a weakened immune system caused, for example, by cancer or cancer treatment, HIV/AIDS, organ transplant, or corticosteroid therapy
  • certain conditions such as nervous system or muscular disorders or seizure disorders that can cause breathing problems or increase the risk of inhaling oral secretions.
  • pregnancy

Should I be tested for H1N1?

Based on earlier samples, most of the influenza seen has been H1N1. Testing does not change treatment recommendations. Effective Spring 2009, the SD County Health department suspended routine testing for H1N1. Testing is now only done for hospitalized cases.

Read the CDC Q&A; regarding H1N1 here.

What kinds of things can I do for self-care?

  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin) for fever and body aches.
  • Over-the-counter cold and flu medications used according to the package instructions may help lessen some symptoms.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink clear fluids (water, broth, sports drinks) to keep from getting dehydrated.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
  • Clean hands often and especially after using tissues, or coughing into hands.
  • Avoid close contact with others; do not go to work or school while ill.
  • Stay home for 24 hours after your fever is gone (and you are no longer taking antifever medication)
  • If you must leave your home, wear a face mask.
  • Get Well kits are available at Student Health. The kits contain a digital thermometer, acetaminophen (Tylenol), cough syrup, lozenges, tissues, hand sanitizer, and a face mask. The cost is $5.00.
  • For meal delivery while sick or to get a "Flu Buddy", e-mail flubuddy@ucsd.edu.

How can I avoid getting the flu?

  • Get the flu vaccine at Student Health. Seasonal flu requires one injection; 2 doses of H1N1 vaccine may be needed to prevent H1N1, although recently released information indicates that one dose may be effective in preventing the disease.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after a sneeze or cough. Use alcohol-based hand cleansers if soap and water is not available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Frequently wipe down areas, doorknobs, phones used by multiple people with disinfectant (Clorox wipes work well)
  • Get adequate sleep and exercise, eat healthy meals, and try to reduce stress
  • Avoid contact with others you know to be ill. If you must be near others who are ill, keep at least 6 feet distance
  • Surgical face masks should be worn by an ill person who must be near others, but offer no protection if worn by those without flu symptoms

Who is being treated for flu?

In otherwise healthy people, treating with antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu only speeds up recovery by one day at most. Antiviral drugs also have the potential for developing drug resistance and side effects, including some serious ones. It is best not to use these drugs unless you have a high risk condition, have severe illness such as pneumonia, or are caring for someone under 6 months of age or with immune deficiency.

Who can I talk to if I need more advice?

If you are ill and need additional advice you may call the SHS Urgent Care nurse at (858) 534-3302. After hours, you can reach an advice nurse by calling our main phone (858) 534-3300 and choosing the correct option.

Links to more information

The following websites provide valuable information on prevention, self care, treatment and the status of local and national efforts to address the disease: This page will be updated frequently. Please check back.