Flu continues on campus

Cases of H1N1 influenza have been trending upward among students in recent weeks, according to University Health Services (UHS).

UHS evaluated 115 students for influenza-like illness in the semester’s 10th week (Nov. 1–7), the fourth-highest total since the start of the academic year. ILI encounters made up 7.8 percent of all primary care visits. In the previous week, 72 students contacted UHS about flu-like symptoms.

Numbers for faculty and staff are not available, but employees may also be falling ill or staying home with sick children, as H1N1 is prevalent among school-aged children.

“We had a few weeks there where activity was fairly low, but I think we’re going to see more people affected in the coming weeks,” says Sarah Van Orman, UHS executive director.

Students and staff who get sick with flu symptoms are reminded to stay home and take care of themselves until they’ve been fever-free without fever reducers for at least 24 hours.

People with “high-risk” medical conditions should contact their health care provider promptly if they develop flu-like symptoms. Most healthy people will recover within a week or so with self-care: plenty of rest, fluids, and ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage fever and body aches. If your symptoms don’t improve after three days, should contact your health care provider.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms develop:

• shortness of breath or trouble breathing,
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen,
• severe or persistent vomiting,
• confusion or sudden dizziness, and
• flu symptoms that improve but then return suddenly with fever and worse cough.

For complete information, visit H1N1 Information and Prevention.