University Health Services (UHS) clinical staff saw more than 300 students with influenza-like illness (ILI) during the week ending Oct. 24, 2009. Over 1,700 patients have been seen for ILI since the beginning of the fall semester on the University Park campus. (more)
It's just about that time again -- flu season is right around the corner. With the emergence of the H1N1 flu ("swine flu", novel influenza A (H1N1)) earlier this year and an expected resurgence this fall, it's even more important to know what you can do now to protect yourself and those around you from getting sick. (more)
Two students at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, have tested positive for the H1N1 virus. These two students were among four who tested positive for Type A influenza at the college's Health and Wellness Center last week. Further testing, done via a nasal swab, confirmed the flu as H1N1. The college is awaiting test results on the remaining two students. (more)
University Health Services (UHS) saw a tenfold increase in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) during the week of Sept. 7. On Monday, Sept. 14, more than 60 students with ILI were seen -- more than on any previous day. As the number of cases increase, UHS reminds ill students that most people who get H1N1 influenza recover completely with rest and self-care, and do not need to see a health care provider. (more)
Two students at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, have tested positive for Type A influenza", suggesting they may be the college's first cases of H1N1 virus.
One student was tested in her hometown over the weekend and is remaining at home to rest and recover. The other student was tested this morning at the college's Health and Wellness Center and is also returning home, following recommended self-isolation guidelines. A confirmation of their respective diagnoses is expected within the next 48-72 hours. (more)
University Health Services (UHS) saw an increase in influenza-like illness this week. To date, UHS has recommended self-isolation to more than 30 students -- more than half of these cases occurring since Saturday. UHS followed its own advice today, postponing the Sept. 9 Health Fair to prevent unnecessary exposure of well students to sick students. As the number of ill students increases, it is important for those who are sick to self-isolate. Sick individuals should not report to work, or attend classes and other group activities (including athletic events, concerts, etc). Students should return home to recuperate, if possible. Once recovered and fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication), students may return to normal activities. (more)
Penn State University Health Services has postponed the health fair scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 9, as a precautionary measure to help avoid the spread of H1N1. "We're starting to see cases of H1N1 here on the University Park campus. Since we're urging those who are sick to self-isolate, it doesn't make sense for us to invite well students into the building where sick students are coming for treatment," said Margaret Spear, director of University Health Services (UHS). "Compared to some colleges and universities, the number of students we are diagnosing with influenza like illness is low but we thought it was prudent to postpone the health fair as a precautionary measure." Spear emphasizes that frequent hand-washing is the most effective habit people can practice to help curb the spread of the flu. She added that although it will be challenging, the Centers for Disease Control strongly recommends that sick individuals self-isolate, or stay away from healthy people. For more information on H1N1 and Penn State, visit http://flu.psu.edu online. (more)
During the first week of fall classes, University Health Services (UHS) saw a small number of students with "influenza-like illness." H1N1 tests were sent to the state health department for confirmation; two tests have come back positive. The number of students with flu-like illness is expected to increase in the coming weeks. A number of students, staff and parents have e-mailed UHS over the past weeks with concerns about H1N1. This week's H1N1 update focuses on some of the most frequently asked questions that UHS has received. (more)
As a precautionary measure in the event of significant disruption due to the H1N1 flu, Information Technology Services has compiled information on technology resources that would allow faculty and students to continue their teaching and learning activities with minimal disruption even if classroom attendance or traditional instruction were not possible. These include ANGEL, the Blogs at Penn State, Adobe Connect desktop videoconferencing, and several ways to create prerecorded lectures. For details, visit http://tlt.its.psu.edu/profiles/flu online. In addition, faculty can find recommendations for an emergency statement to include in a course syllabus at http://ets.tlt.psu.edu/learningdesign/syllabus/content online. (more)
The last sunny days of August may not feel like flu season. However, occasional cases of influenza are still occurring in students at University Park and prevention strategies remain essential.
The most effective strategies for against both H1N1 and seasonal flu are personal prevention through hand-washing and cough/cold etiquette, other non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), and obtaining the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots. The most important NPI currently recommended is the exclusion of ill individuals from public, school, and group activities. (more)
