UT offered vaccinations for the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu, to UT students, faculty and staff Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the TRECS. Their immediate family members were also eligible for the vaccine.

The Student Health Clinic offered both the flu mist nasal spray and the injection vaccine for H1N1 free of charge. The vaccines were given on a first come, first serve basis.

Candidates for either form of the vaccine must be between the ages of 14 and 49, healthy and not pregnant. Individuals age 50 and older are not eligible to take the nasal spray. 

Thirty-four adults and 11 children confirmed dead in Tennessee. Mark Jones, director of the Health Department The H1N1 virus has symptoms similar to the seasonal flu, including fatigue, chills, fever, coughing, sneezing and throat and body aches. UT Student Health Services has asked students experiencing these mild symptoms to not visit the clinic, as most cases are not severe. However, individuals who suspect they have the H1N1 virus and experience difficulty breathing, chronic illness, complications, the inability to keep down liquids or individuals who are pregnant are advised to seek medical attention.

Flu.gov suggests taking these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100°F or 37.8°C) or signs of a fever (without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®). Read detailed information about how long to stay away from others.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.

Knoxville and the UT campus have already experienced many cases of the virus; few however have ended in death.

The Knox County Commission discussed the H1N1 virus during its Monday meeting. The meeting addressed the seriousness of the disease and the steps of action that are being taken against the virus, including the vaccine clinics. 

"Thirty-four adults and 11 children confirmed dead in Tennessee," said Mark Jones, director of the Health Department.  "Knox County has had three adult deaths."

The Health Department received half of the local supply and has made sure that local pediatricians have received the vaccine, Jones said.

The safety of this vaccine has also been a topic of conversation. However, this vaccine is produced the same way as seasonal flu vaccines and is expected to be as safe and effective.

"We live in an age of misinformaiton," Jones said.  "I believe this is a safe vaccine."

Future vaccine clinics will be held on campus as more shipments of the vaccine are received.

More information about the virus and other flu season illnesses is available through UT Student Health Service at (865) 974-3135 or at http://studenthealth.utk.edu.