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)
As students return to Penn State campuses, the concern for the re-appearance of the novel H1N1 virus (previously called swine flu) in the college community is high on the agenda of University officials. Penn State is preparing for the highly contagious flu -- if and when it arrives. Part of that preparation involves parents, as well as students. During move-in days at University Park (Aug. 20-22), a letter from Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims related to the upcoming flu season was distributed to parents to keep them informed of Penn State's plans for a flu outbreak. The letter also asks for the assistance of parents in monitoring their own student's health status and needs. (more)
The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has released recommendations on who should receive the H1N1 flu vaccine this fall based on susceptibility to the virus. Individuals between 6 months and 25 years of age are much more likely to contract H1N1 and all college campuses, including Penn State, are likely to see high numbers of cases among students.
The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed by the federal government (FEMA) through state health departments. University Health Services (UHS) is working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and expects that there will be a vaccine distribution site for students at Penn State. It is not yet known when the vaccine will be available but it will likely not arrive before mid-October. UHS will notify all eligible individuals when vaccine becomes available. (more)
The H1N1 virus (previously called swine flu) has taken a backseat to other news lately, but public health officials expect it to re-emerge this fall, creating a number of challenges for institutions like Penn State. To take a proactive approach to the expected flu outbreak, University officials are ramping up communications efforts to provide guidelines to students, faculty and staff who may be affected in some way by the H1N1 virus, either contracting the illness themselves, caring for family members who may be ill, or avoiding the flu altogether. Minimizing the spread of this highly contagious disease is a significant concern for health officials. The guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for anyone contracting the H1N1 virus require self-isolation -- that means not attending classes, not coming to work and not gathering in public spaces or for group activities. (more)
Penn State's University Park campus saw a decrease in Novel H1N1 flu cases again this week. Meanwhile, Penn State, Centre Region and Pennsylvania Department of Health officials met to discuss plans for the expected H1N1 recurrence this fall. The planning committee continues to work on strategies, policies and communications to assist staff, students and families prepare for flu season and the projected increase in flu-related illness. (more)
