H1N1 Update: November 23, 2009

University Health Services (UHS) has received 4,000 doses of injectable H1N1 flu vaccine, which will be distributed to Penn State students from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.

While some sources report that the H1N1 flu has peaked, UHS continues to see many students with influenza-like illness (ILI). In addition, public health officials predict that a second wave of the illness is likely later this winter or spring. Getting vaccinated now will prevent illness from H1N1 should the virus cause further outbreaks.
Vaccination is free and available to students 24 years of age and younger, students with chronic health conditions (regardless of age), students who are pregnant or have recently been pregnant and students who serve as the primary caregiver to children 6 months of age or younger.

UHS strongly encourages all students to get vaccinated and students involved in THON in particular should make a point of receiving a vaccination. Children who are cancer survivors and may have weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to influenza. Students who are dancing or working at THON and spending time with Four Diamonds kids at events leading up to THON should consider the safety of these children while deciding about their own vaccination. Dr. Margaret Spear, UHS director said, “Students involved in THON need to do the socially responsible thing and get vaccinated against H1N1 to help protect the kids.”

Thursday’s clinic will be held in 205 Student Health Center on Penn State's University Park campus. Appointments will be available beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25 and must be scheduled online through the UHS Web site at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/online_access.cfm. Friday’s clinic will be held in 129 HUB-Robeson Center. No appointment is necessary for Friday’s clinic.

Students are asked to wear a short-sleeved shirt and have their student ID ready in order to expedite the vaccination process.

The CDC provides information that can help students make informed decisions about vaccination at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

A clinic will be held in 205 Student Health Center on the University Park campus Thursday, Nov. 12, to distribute H1N1 nasal spray vaccine to students 24 years of age and younger. Appointments will be available from 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. and must be scheduled online through the University Health Services (UHS) website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/online_access.cfm. H1N1 vaccinations are free of charge.

The H1N1 nasal spray is not appropriate for all students. Information about who should consider nasal spray is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm.

The final seasonal flu clinic for Penn State students on the University Park campus will be held Nov. 11 (11 a.m.–7 p.m.) in Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. University officials are still awaiting word from the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the availability of H1N1 injectible vaccines for students that could be distributed through a large-scale clinic at University Park. Receiving the H1N1 vaccine is voluntary.

Vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is recommended for college students. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. The CDC web site provides information that can help students make informed decisions about vaccination at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A clinic will be held in 205 Student Health Center on the University Park campus Friday, Nov. 6,to distribute an additional 1,000 doses of the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine to students 24 years of age and younger. Appointments must be scheduled online through the University Health Services (UHS) website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/online_access.cfm. H1N1 vaccinations are free of charge.

The H1N1 nasal spray is not appropriate for all students. Information about who should consider nasal spray is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm.

UHS has received a small number of injectable H1N1 vaccine doses. Students with chronic health conditions (such as asthma or diabetes) have been contacted via e-mail to receive the vaccine. Students with chronic health conditions who are not eligible for the nasal spray can make an appointment online through the UHS website to receive the injectable H1N1 vaccine.

Three seasonal flu clinics for Penn State students on the University Park campus remain. Clinics will be held Nov. 9 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Nov. 11 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) in Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center and on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall (HUB).

Vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is recommended for college students. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. The CDC web site provides information that can help students make informed decisions about vaccination at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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.

UHS has received an additional 1,000 doses of the H1N1 nasal spray vaccine for students 24 years of age or younger. Appointments are available for students to receive the vaccine at UHS on Friday, Oct. 30. Appointments must be scheduled online through the UHS website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/online_access.cfm. H1N1 vaccinations are free of charge.

The H1N1 nasal spray is not appropriate for all students. Information about who should consider nasal spray is available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/nasalspray.htm.

Three seasonal flu clinics for Penn State students on the University Park campus remain. Clinics will be held Nov. 9 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Nov. 11 (11 a.m. – 7 p.m.) in Alumni Hall, HUB-Robeson Center and on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. in Heritage Hall (HUB)

Vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is recommended for college students. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. The CDC web site provides information that can help students make informed decisions about vaccination at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm.

 

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified individuals 24 years of age and younger as high risk for contracting H1N1 influenza. University Health Services (UHS) now has a limited supply of H1N1 nasal spray vaccine available for students in this high risk group.

The nasal spray is a live vaccine. The vaccine virus is attenuated, or weakened, so it will not cause illness in healthy individuals. However, women who are pregnant or breast feeding should not receive the nasal spray vaccine. Additionally, students with the following conditions should avoid the live vaccine:

• Asthma or chronic respiratory disease
• Any long term health problem or disease such as heart disease, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, anemia or other blood disorders
• Allergies to egg, gelatin or arginine (a protein amino acid)

The H1N1 nasal spray vaccine does not contain thimerosal, a preservative used in the injectable vaccine. Therefore nasal vaccine is appropriate for healthy students who are allergic or sensitive to thimerosal and students who wish to avoid needles.

H1N1 vaccination appointments must be scheduled online through the UHS website at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/online_access.cfm. H1N1 vaccinations are free of charge.

The seasonal flu vaccine clinic scheduled for Tuesday, October 27 has been canceled due to temporary vaccine shortages. An additional date has been added to the flu clinic schedule on November 10 in Heritage Hall, HUB-Robeson Center. Seasonal flu clinics will also be held November 9 and November 11 in Alumni Hall, HUB.

Vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is recommended for college students. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site provides information that can help students make informed decisions about vaccination at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm.

 

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is recommended for college students. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) web site provides information that can help students make informed decisions about vaccination at www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm and www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm.

Seasonal flu vaccine is currently available. University Health Services (UHS) is partnering with Maxim Health Services to provide seasonal flu clinics at the HUB-Robeson Center on the following dates:

• Tuesday, October 13, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  (Heritage Hall)
• Tuesday, October 20, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  (Alumni Hall)
• Tuesday, October 27, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  (Heritage Hall)
• Monday, November 9, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.  (Alumni Hall)
• Wednesday, November 11, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.  (Alumni Hall)

Vaccinations are walk-in only. The charge is $26, billed to the student’s Bursar account. Students must present their Penn State ID at the time of vaccination and are encouraged to wear a short sleeved t-shirt to expedite the vaccination process.

H1N1 vaccine will be distributed through the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH). UHS expects to be a vaccination site for the H1N1 vaccine and will send out notifications to all eligible students as more information about availability is known.
For more information on Penn State’s preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit http://www.flu.psu.edu online. General information about H1N1 influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm online.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Although flu symptoms are relatively mild for most students, H1N1 is highly contagious and has become widespread at University Park. More than 900 students have been diagnosed with influenza-like illness, or ILI, at University Health Services (UHS) since August 2009. The majority of these cases are assumed to be H1N1, as the seasonal flu season has not begun.

Many students are able to recuperate fully at home without medical intervention. However, two Penn State students have required hospitalization and it is important for all students to know the warning signs of more serious complications from the flu. These include:

• Fever greater than 101 degrees or increasing over two to three days;
• Fever that does not resolve with medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen;
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (not due to nasal congestion);
• Severe headache or neck stiffness or pain;
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
• Dizziness or confusion;
• Vomiting;
• Rash;
• Difficulty swallowing fluids;
• Flu-like symptoms not improving after two to three days;
• Flu-like symptoms that were improving, but now are getting worse.

The UHS Web site at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs contains additional resources for assessment, flu prevention and care.

Students who become ill with ILI are also encouraged to register for resources and assistance on the eLiving Web site at http://www.eliving.psu.edu/studentflu.shtml . This site is available for all Penn State students, whether they live on- or off-campus, and whether they choose to recover at home or at Penn State.

Vaccination against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza is recommended. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site provides information at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm or http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm that can help inform decisions about vaccination. The seasonal flu vaccine will be offered at the HUB beginning Thursday, Oct. 8. A full listing of times and dates is available at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/flu_vaccine.cfm online.

UHS expects to be a vaccination site for the H1N1 vaccine. UHS will send out notifications to all eligible students as more information about vaccine availability is known.

For more information on Penn State’s preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit http://www.flu.psu.edu online. General information about H1N1 influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm online.

Monday, September 28, 2009

University Health Services (UHS) saw more than 250 students for influenza-like illness (ILI) during the last week of September. Although the number of students receiving medical care remains high, many students with ILI can usually manage their illness without seeing a health care provider. However, students who are pregnant, have significant underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes or are immune-compromised are at risk for developing complications from H1N1 influenza and should contact their health care provider if they have symptoms of the flu or have been exposed to the flu.

Residence Life has created a system through the e-Living Web site where students with flu can register for support and resources. The site, located at https://www.absecom.psu.edu/eLiving/STUDENT_PAGES/TEMPORARY_LOCATION_STUDENT_WIN.cfm, is intended for all Penn State students, whether they live on- or off-campus, are seen at UHS or by a hometown physician, or are practicing self-care.

There are a number of simple steps that can help prevent the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or shoulder.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners when soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not share utensils, drinks, cigarettes or personal care items.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Get vaccinated for seasonal flu and H1N1.

Visit the UHS Web site at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs online for additional resources for flu prevention and care. For more information on Penn State’s preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit http://www.flu.psu.edu/. General information about H1N1 influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm online.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

University Health Services (UHS) has seen over 400 cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) since the start of the fall semester. All of these students have recovered or are recovering without complications. Approximately 50 percent of ill students living in residence halls have followed UHS' advice to recover at home; 25 percent of ill students have used residence hall isolation spaces.

Many students with ILI can manage their illness without seeing a health care provider. Self assessment guidance is available on the UHS Web site at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/do_i_have_flu.pdf. However, students who are pregnant, have significant underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes or are immune compromised are at risk for developing complications from H1N1 influenza and should contact their health care provider if they have symptoms of the flu or have been exposed to the flu.

Students also should be aware of the danger signs that require medical attention. These include difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a more severe cough, severe headache or neck stiffness, and difficulty swallowing fluids. Students experiencing any of these symptoms should call UHS or another health care provider for evaluation.

Vaccination is recommended for both seasonal flu and H1N1. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. UHS is partnering with Maxim Health Services to provide seasonal flu vaccinations at the HUB-Robeson Center during October and November.  A listing of dates and locations is available on the UHS Web site at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/basics/flu_vaccine.cfm. Key facts about seasonal flu vaccination are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm.

A vaccine for H1N1 is in development and is expected later this fall. UHS has applied to act as a distribution site for the H1N1 vaccine. UHS will send out notifications to all eligible students as more information about vaccine availability is known. The CDC provides H1N1 vaccine information at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm.

For tips on what to do if you have the flu, download the UHS flyer at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/if_you_have_flu.pdf. UHS's Self Care Guide for Flu is available at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/self_care_flu.pdf.

For more information on Penn State's preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit http://www.flu.psu.edu. General information about H1N1 influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009
University Health Services (UHS) saw a tenfold increase in patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) during the week of September 7, 2009. On Monday, September 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 healthcare provider. 

For students who have typical flu symptoms (fever greater than 100F, cough, body aches, sore throat and possibly mild vomiting or diarrhea) and have no underlying health condition, are not pregnant or immune-compromised, it is fine to self-isolate and follow recommendations available on the UHS website.

However, there are a number of danger signs that require medical attention. These include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and a more severe cough
• Severe headache or neck stiffness
• Difficulty swallowing fluids

Students experiencing any of these symptoms should call UHS or another health care provider for evaluation.

In addition, students who are pregnant, have significant underlying health conditions such as asthma or diabetes or are immune compromised are at risk for developing complications from H1N1 influenza and should see their health care provider if they have symptoms of the flu.

It is important for ill students to do their part and deter the spread of flu by following recommended isolation procedures. It is best for students to return home to recover. If it is not possible for students to return home, residence life area staff can help ill students relocate to rooms which allow separation from well students.

Ill students should identify a friend who can check in with them daily and deliver food and supplies as needed. Campus residents who are self isolating (in their residence hall room) may have a friend or roommate pick up a box meal at the commons desk. The friend will need to provide the sick student’s ID card number so that box meals can be charged to the student’s campus meal plan.             

For additional tips on what to do if you have the flu, download the UHS flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/if_you_have_flu.pdf.

UHS’s Self Care Guide for Flu is available at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/self_care_flu.pdf .

For more information on Penn State’s preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit www.flu.psu.edu.
General information about H1N1 influenza is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009
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.

For students who live in the residence halls and cannot return home, the area Residence Life office can provide assistance in making room arrangements.  Students who are sick should ask a friend to check on them daily. Ill students also can contact the dining commons between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to make arrangements for food to be picked up by a friend.

For additional tips on what to do if you have the flu, download the UHS flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/if_you_have_flu.pdf.

Download UHS’ Prepare for Flu Season flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/prepare_for_flu.pdf.

For more information on Penn State’s preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit www.flu.psu.edu.
General information about H1N1 influenza is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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.

When will the H1N1 flu shot be distributed to students and do you need to be 18 to receive it? The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed by the federal government (FEMA) through state health departments.  We are working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and expect that there will be a vaccine distribution site at Penn State.  No one knows yet when the vaccine will be available but we expect it will not be before mid October.  We will send out notifications to all eligible individuals as we learn more about vaccine availability. You do not have to be 18 to receive the vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine will be distributed at no charge.

Can you get the swine flu more than once?  No, infection with H1N1 provides immunity so individuals can only get it once. However, there will also be seasonal influenza circulating this fall and it will be virtually impossible to distinguish clinically between the two flu viruses. If you are over 50 yrs old, you may well have some natural immunity. There were flu viruses in the 1950's, 1960's and 1970's that were closely related to H1N1 and so if you were around then, you may have some immunity as a result of exposure to those viruses.

If I get the H1N1 vaccine, do I still need a seasonal flu vaccine? Yes. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other.

My student is planning to study abroad this fall. Will H1N1 be a problem in the country he/she is visiting? We are working closely with the study abroad office and tracking risk in various countries. Up-to-date information is available at www.who.int/ith/en/index.html.

If I get sick and I’m unable to attend class, will my class attendance record be affected? UHS has asked that faculty respond to ill students as they would with any other illness and provide the opportunity to make up missed work/exams. We have also asked that they adjust attendance requirements as needed for students with H1N1 and seasonal influenza.  Some faculty may provide online options, but that will not be required. With H1N1, the period of illness during which the student will be unable to attend class is usually less than a week.  Please also see faculty senate policy 42-27 <http://senate.psu.edu/policies/42-00.html>. 
I have heard that anti-viral medicine is supposed to reduce public contamination. If I’m sick, will I be treated with an anti-viral medication? The Centers for Disease Control has provided guidelines for the use of antiviral medication and we will be following those guidelines.  Medication is recommended for some individuals, but not all.   Therefore, we will need to speak to students and/or see them in order to provide medication, unless the CDC recommendations change, which we think is unlikely.

What will the procedures for students with symptoms be? We urge all students who are ill and have questions or want to be seen to call our nurse advice line in advance at (814) 863-4463.  We will be providing guidelines to students about who should come in for an evaluation to the health center.

Will students be expected to travel while possibly being sick and contagious (use buses, public places, and so on), as a policy? What would be a good way to explain this advice to them especially if they do not have a care giver available to them back home? We will be advising students to return home for their convalescence but that will need to be by private car only.  Individuals ill with H1N1 should not use public transportation.

My class has a field trip requirement. What happens if I get the flu before or during the trip? Sick students should not go on field trips. If a student gets sick while on the trip, he/she should stay >6 feet from others, if possible, and wear a mask to prevent the spread infection while traveling with others and/or sharing sleeping accommodations. As with other missed classwork, faculty are encouraged to provide reasonable opportunities for students to make up class assignments or, in the case of field trips, to complete an alternate assignment.

For more information on Penn State’s preparation for H1N1 this fall, visit www.flu.psu.edu

Additional information about H1N1 influenza is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Download UHS’ Prepare for Flu Season flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/prepare_for_flu.pdf.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009
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 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.

If you are diagnosed with influenza, it is important to “self-isolate” for at least 24 hours after your temperature returns to normal (<100F).  University Health Services recommends that students with influenza return home while they are ill, in order to reduce the likelihood of infecting others in the community.  If that is not possible, residence hall staff will help identify housing alternatives.  Especially when there are few cases, isolation is more likely to work and keep the numbers of infected individuals low.

Symptoms for H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu - fever, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose), muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Penn State students with flu-like symptoms should call the UHS Advice Nurse at (814) 863-4463 for evaluation.

Additional information about the H1N1 influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

For up-to-date information regarding H1N1 at Penn State, visit www.flu.psu.edu.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 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.

It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not result in immunity to the other. Therefore it is very important to get the seasonal flu vaccine. UHS will be offering seasonal flu vaccinations beginning September 28. Students can schedule their appointment to receive the seasonal flu vaccine online at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or by calling (814) 863-0774. 

The most effective strategies for disease mitigation (against both flu strains) 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.

A complete listing of the CDC’s recommendations for H1N1 vaccination is available at www.cdc.gov/media/pressrel/2009/r090729b.htm.

Additional information about the H1N1 influenza is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Download UHS’ Prepare for Flu Season flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/prepare_for_flu.pdf.

Penn State’s Office of Human Resources has developed and will be regularly updating a FAQ page regarding H1N1’s anticipated effect on personnel issues at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/h1n1.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009
University Park, Pa. —Letters were sent to all Penn State students, faculty and staff recently in preparation for this year’s flu season. These communications address the projected impact of seasonal and H1N1 flu on the Penn State community this fall.

Public health officials predict that the H1N1 virus will return in the early fall with H1N1 influenza cases occurring as early as late September or early October in the United States. Individuals between 5 and 25 years of age are much more likely to contract the H1N1 virus. College campuses such as Penn State are likely to see high numbers of cases among students.

Although H1N1 is a new influenza virus strain, symptoms are very similar to seasonal flu. It is possible to contract both the seasonal flu and H1N1 flu since exposure to one does not give immunity to the other. Given the age of most employees at Penn State, it is much more likely that an employee will contract seasonal flu than H1N1. Of course, most Penn State students and the school age children of employees and will be susceptible to both H1N1 and seasonal flu.

Because this is a disease that is occurring widely and is highly contagious, public health recommendations are aimed not at containment, but rather at mitigation, or reducing the burden of disease and minimizing its spread. The most effective strategies for disease mitigation (against both flu strains) are personal prevention through hand-washing and cough/cold etiquette, other non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), and obtaining the seasonal flu shot. The most important NPI currently recommended is the exclusion of ill individuals from public, school, and group activities.

Penn State’s Office of Human Resources has developed and will be regularly updating a FAQ page regarding H1N1’s anticipated effect on personnel issues at http://www.ohr.psu.edu/h1n1.

Download UHS’ Prepare for Flu Season flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/prepare_for_flu.pdf.

Additional information about the H1N1 influenza is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009
University Park, Pa. —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.
 
Anyone with flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider. Most individuals with influenza can follow the CDC guidelines for self care and remain at home. Individuals who have significant chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease, are immunosuppressed, or are pregnant are advised to see their health care provider if they think they might have influenza.
 
Symptoms for H1N1 flu are similar to seasonal flu - fever, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose), muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Download UHS’ Prepare for Flu Season flyer at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/pdf/prepare_for_flu.pdf.
Additional information about the H1N1 influenza is available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.