The cases of influenza-like illnesses are up according to the latest reports from the Health Center at Auraria.

“As of last week, the health center had diagnosed 28 cases of Influenza-like illnesses, compared to 17 cases diagnosed the week of Sept. 21,” says Director Steve Monaco.

Like many across the country, the health center is waiting on the arrival of H1N1 vaccine. Dr. Paul Schadler, medical director, and Martha Eaton, assistant director, have submitted the required official request for H1N1 vaccine. Approximately 35,000 doses were requested for the Auraria Campus.

“We anticipate it to arrive in either the third or fourth week of October or possibly early November,” says Monaco. Watch @Metro for scheduled shot clinic dates and times.

Other preventative measures are also being put in place by Auraria, including installing additional hand sanitizer units throughout all campus buildings. Portable hand sanitizer units on stands will be placed at all main entrances to campus buildings.

Automatic dispensing units – rather than non-automatic push-type units – have been ordered. These are activated by hand motion, without having to touch the units. Wall-mounted automatic dispensing units will be placed next to all first-floor elevators. Stickers will be placed on all units with a phone number to call when units are empty or not working properly. The units should arrive within the next four weeks.

Cost of the project is approximately $10,500, which the health center will fund from the State-approved H1N1 flu resources they have been granted.

In addition, Auraria has launched a new web page (www.ahec.edu/h1n1) designed to give the campus community the vehicle to easily find H1N1 flu information, especially as it pertains to the campus. In addition to flu-related information, the site features direct web links to campus, state and national health organizations

Auraria has also added a flu-related option for callers to the campus. When calling the main campus switchboard, 303-556-2400, option 6 will allow callers access to recorded information about seasonal flu and H1N1 flu, or connect them directly with the Health Center at Auraria.

In the meantime, Monaco reminds everyone to get a seasonal flu shot as soon as possible, in an effort to avoid contracting the virus. Those at high risk for seasonal flu are especially encouraged and include persons: six months through 18 years old, 50 years old or greater, women who are pregnant, and those with chronic health conditions such as lung disease, diabetes, blood or immune disorders.The Health Center at Auraria will continue to offer seasonal flu vaccines until the supply runs out: www.mscd.edu/healthcenter/. To find other locations for receiving the seasonal flu shot, go to www.immunizecolorado.com/.