University Park, Pa. -- Several students at Penn State's University Park campus have recently tested positive for pandemic influenza A H1N1, sometimes referred to as "swine flu," but the Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued a health advisory explaining that virtually all cases of influenza in the state can now be considered caused by the H1N1 virus.
According to the health department, more than 90 percent of influenza being confirmed currently at the state public health laboratory is H1N1 related. This is in contrast to earlier periods in late April and early May where considerable activity was related to seasonal influenza. However, health officials say seasonal influenza has waned considerably, and flu activity in recent weeks is caused by the H1N1 virus, so additional testing for confirmation is not necessary.
Since the University Park campus is a sentinel reporter for the Commonwealth — meaning it acts as a surveillance site that closely monitors seasonal influenza and the emergence of novel influenza viruses — University Health Services will continue to send specimens for H1N1 testing to the state lab in order to provide health officials with accurate and ongoing information.
To keep the University community informed, UHS provides updates on H1N1 as they become available at http://www.sa.psu.edu/uhs/H1N1_Updates.cfm.
Patients at all sites throughout Pennsylvania who have tested positive for influenza will be treated as if they have H1N1. Recommended guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for treating those who contract the illness are for patients to avoid contact with others by staying away from work or school for 7 days after symptoms begin or until they are symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer. Individuals who are ill should also get plenty of rest and drink clear fluids to keep from being dehydrated. Other suggested guidelines can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm.
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.
The best way to protect from and prevent the spread of H1N1, like seasonal flu, is to practice good personal hygiene. This includes frequent hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer; covering nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, or cough or sneeze into the crook of the elbow or shoulder when tissues aren't available; avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth; and avoiding sharing utensils, drinks, cigarettes or personal care items.
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.