CHAPEL HILL – The H1N1 flu has caused an increase in flu-related deaths in North Carolina this year with only two of the 21 deceased older than 65, and UNC is reaching out to its students to urge preventative care.

Campus Health Services executive director Dr. Mary Covington says this is the same strand of flu that caused what was know as the swine flu epidemic in 2009.

“It seems that the younger folks maybe don’t have as much immunity to this virus, and so it’s particularly important that young and middle-aged people get vaccinated,” Dr. Covington says.

Campus Health Services flu shots are only open to students at the University. The clinic is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year.

However, Dr. Covington says now in the heart of flu season there are additional clinics open to all members of campus.

“We’re actually running six additional clinics in convenient locations on campus so that any faculty, staff, or student could go there and get a flu shot,” Dr. Covington says.

She says getting your flu shot is the most important preventative step during any flu season.

“That’s one of the most important preventative measures, and the other one is to wash your hands and practice good hand hygene,” Dr. Covington says.

UNC Campus Health Services is located in the James A. Taylor Building which sits between Kenan Football Stadium and UNC Hospitals.

For contact information, click here.

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