University urges flu prevention

It’s not too late to receive a flu shot to help stay healthy this winter.

Flu season typically runs from November through March, but the campus community typically sees an increase of cases in late January, right around the beginning of classes.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their private health care providers for more information about the availability of walk-in clinics or appointments.

Members of Dean, Physicians Plus, Unity and Group Health Cooperative plans are eligible to receive the vaccination for free at their home clinics. Members are advised to call ahead to check schedules and availability.

A series of on-campus vaccination clinics produced 2,800 faculty and staff vaccinations, a record number for UW–Madison. The program was extremely successful and will be expanded next year.

Like many institutions around the county, UW–Madison is encouraging flu prevention and preparedness measures while assembling a comprehensive response plan for a influenza pandemic, should one ever take place.

Although there is no imminent threat, public health experts have expressed concern about eventual mutations of the H5N1 strain of avian influenza that could lead to person-to-person spread.

In the event of a pandemic, the university would implement its response plan and work in close cooperation with local, state and federal public health officials.

For more flu prevention strategies, updates and resources, visit http://www.news.wisc.edu/flu/.