During the first week of January, influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control.

20 percent of Americans have been vaccinated against H1N1, according to the government’s first detailed estimates of vaccination rates against the new pandemic.

Sheila Baker, the medical director of Health Service, said that Eastern has witnessed similar trends.

“Our last cases of H1N1 were diagnosed during the first week of December 2009,” Baker said. “We have not had any cases of H1N1 in 2010.”

Despite evidence that this virus is declining, Baker asserted that we should remain conscientious.

“We should not become complacent, but remain diligent in our efforts to stay healthy and not spread infections, Baker said. “We want students to continue their educational pursuits and this is best accomplished when students are healthy.”

The wave of H1N1 outbreaks at Eastern occurred at the same time most of the country experienced the pandemic.

The CDC estimates that through mid-November, the pandemic had affected 50 million Americans and killed 10,000.

“We diagnosed or were informed of 430 cases,” Baker said. “Most likely, many more students had the infection, but the symptoms were mild so they did not seek care or treatment.”

Baker said that it would be difficult to determine exactly how effective measures such as sending ill students home, increasing the frequency high touch surfaces are cleaned, placing hand sanitizers throughout campus and putting soap dispensers in residence hall bathrooms have been, but that Health Service does plan to continue the same operational measures as last year.

“We will continue with sick and well waiting areas,” said Baker. “We will treat students with symptoms consistent with influenza as H1N1 or seasonal flu until we have proven otherwise. Health Service staff will still wear personal protective equipment when evaluating students with flu-like symptoms.

Students with cough and fever will be asked to wear a mask Baker said that students should follow the recommendations from the CDC and IDPH, which Health Service has been distributing and posting on Eastern’s campus since April-wash or sanitize hands frequently, over your cough and avoid contact with others if you become ill.

Baker also said that Health Service is still administering the H1N1 vaccine free of charge to students, employees and friends of Eastern.

“Immunization is the best way to protect yourself from this infection,” Baker said.

Walgreens’ nationwide are also administering vaccinations.

“The state just provided regional pharmacies with vaccines two weeks ago,” said Tim King, the pharmacy manager at Walgreens.

King estimates that the pharmacists at Walgreens, located at 411 W. Lincoln Ave., have administered 50 to 60 vaccines since the state provided them.

“The vaccines don’t expire till next spring,” King said. “So I imagine that we’ll be providing them for as long as there is a demand.”

Demand has increased since word has gotten out regarding the vaccines’ availability, King said.

Health Service will continue to monitor the CDC and the Illinois Department of Public Health Web sites to see if H1N1 makes a resurgence or when seasonal flu arrives, in order to be prepared.

Jason Hardimon can be reached at 581-7942 or [email protected].