examination room at UNC Student Health Center

Health

UNC Sees Low Number of Positive Influenza Cases Among Students

UNC has only 12 confirmed cases of influenza among students at the Student Health Center on campus, around a 93% drop in cases compared to the 2009-10 academic year.

February 10, 2020

The University of Northern Colorado has only 12 confirmed cases of influenza among students at the Student Health Center on campus, around a 93% drop in cases compared to the 2009-10 academic year.

This is due in part to accessibility; influenza vaccines are free for students, faculty and staff. A decade ago, UNC didn’t provide free flu vaccines to students and positive influenza cases on campus were much higher.

According to Cindy Vetter, director of Student Health at UNC, “When we started providing free flu vaccine supported by our campus administration, you can see how the trend of positive cases dropped dramatically. This is credited to efforts by our immunization coordinator, Deb Miller.”

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The vaccine is available on campus including residence halls, Butler-Hancock, the annual Student Health Fair in October, Student Health Center and other locations convenient to members of the campus community.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), flu timing is unpredictable and varies from season to season. Typically, influenza viruses will begin to circulate in early October and will usually peak in January or later.

Cindy Vetter

“We try to be very proactive and encourage students to get their flu vaccine,” Vetter said. “If we start seeing cases of any disease that’s congregated in certain locations on campus, then we immediately notify the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and custodial teams.”

Vetter said they’re seeing more strep and upper-respiratory issues right now than influenza cases. There were also a number of cases of mono in a specific residence hall that resulted in an email being sent to students earlier this year; this incident has diminished.

The CDC recommends the following to avoid getting sick:

Get your flu vaccine yearly.
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after touching surfaces like doorknobs and handrails that may be contaminated.
Cough into your sleeve and not your hands, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
Stay home when you’re sick to prevent spreading your illness.
Keep your immune system strong by eating healthy foods, keeping active and getting a good night’s sleep.

More information on flu prevention

—Written by Katie Corder