University Park, Pa. — Penn State has received confirmation that additional students at University Park have tested positive for novel influenza A pandemic H1N1/09. A total of 10 students at University Park - three living in residence halls and seven off-campus - have tested positive for the virus. All of the affected students have recovered or are recovering as expected. In addition, there are two students off-campus and one in a residence hall who have tested positive for influenza A with H1N1 test results pending.
The students who live in residence halls either returned to their homes or were housed in single rooms for a period of seven days, as recommended by public health officials. University Health Services representatives met with residence hall staff and students to provide accurate information and education about H1N1 and answer questions about the illness.
"The virus has become fairly common throughout Pennsylvania, and fortunately thus far the effects of it have been fairly mild," said Margaret Spear, director of University Health Services. "The University, however, has worked closely with the state Department of Health, and we have followed and will continue to follow their guidelines, as well as CDC recommendations, for managing these cases."
While the CDC reports that there are 37,000 laboratory confirmed cases in the U.S, they estimate that there are probably more than a million people infected with H1N1 in this country. The disease is now common in every state and is present in every county of Pennsylvania.
Cases among students at University Park were first reported in June when H1N1 was confirmed in two students living off campus. Those students have fully recovered.
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. For students at University Park, UHS appointments can be scheduled online at www.sa.psu.edu/uhs or by calling (814) 863-0774. Students at campuses should contact the health center at their Penn State location.
According to a notification from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms for H1N1 flu have included those similar to seasonal flu - fever, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose), muscle aches, fatigue, vomiting and/or diarrhea. "Illnesses among persons infected with H1N1 flu virus have mostly been treated at home, but some cases have been hospitalized and deaths have been reported," according to the alert.
The CDC notification also stated, "Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases are expected in the coming days and weeks."
Shelley Haffner, UHS infection control nurse manager, advises following these basic guidelines to stay healthy:
-- Wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
-- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
-- Do not share utensils, drinks, cigarettes or personal care items.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as cross-contamination can occur.
-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of tissues properly.
-- If tissues are not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or into your shoulder.
Additional information about the H1N1 influenza is available at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm.