Recently, SF State students and faculty have been battling with opposing perspectives on whether to participate or to reject recent mandates of the H1N1 vaccinations.

Minor changes in health policy, including the recent redefinition of pandemic by the World Health Organization, has individuals torn between protecting themselves and taking their chances against the H1N1 virus.

"There are people in high positions, within the medical system, who are standing forward and really solidly questioning what's really going on," said Kenn Burrows, professor and Director of the Holistic Health Learning Center. "And many people within the health care system are unaware of these issues."

He acknowledges that within the medical community, there is compliance and rejection of administering the H1N1 vaccine.

Earlier in the semester, faculty was advised to restructure their absentee policy in order to allow students to take the proper amount of time to recover from infections and to protect individuals on campus.

Swine Flu Fact Sheet
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported 6,000 deaths from the H1N1 virus in over 200 countries since November 1, 2009.
- A CBS News study has shown that only 1%-2% of all reported swine flu cases in the U.S. are actually H1N1.
- As of July 15, 2009 public health offices were asked to stop reporting on outpatient cases of H1N1 and told only to report fatal or intensive care cases.
- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has tallied swine flu cases in Ca. at 4,820 and H1N1 related deaths at 266 since October 31, 2009.
- The Public readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act defends vaccine-producing companies and government agencies against litigation concerning vaccine related injuries.

Protecting Yourself
The CDPH has asked that anyone who may be experiencing influenza-like symptoms including sore throat, cough, fever, body aches or fatigue to follow these simple steps to help prevent the spread of H1N1.
-Wash your hands - Wash hands often with soap and warm water especially after being in a public place.
-Cover Your cough - Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.
-Stay At Home When You're Sick - Stay at home from school or work for at least a 24-hour period after fever.

For more information on the H1N1 virus please visit the following links and please be sure to listen to our podcast of an extended interview with SF State Holistic Health professor Kenn Burrows.
World Health Organization - http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/key_facts.htm
California Department of Public Health - http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/SwineInfluenza.aspx
CBS Special Report - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/21/cbsnews_investigates/main5404829.shtml