november 3, 2009 H1N1 update

Ursinus is currently seeing increased cases of the H1N1 virus in its student population.  The PA Department of Health advises that treatment of the H1N1 flu is the same as the seasonal flu:  isolation, anti-fever medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), plenty of fluids, rest.  Vaccines are the best tools to prevent influenza and college-aged people are urged to get vaccinated.

Students with extenuating health conditions or special circumstances will continue to be treated and tested as a medical priority.  Ursinus has requested a vaccine supply from the PA Health Department, and we are awaiting delivery.  The Wellness Center will notify the campus community when the vaccine becomes available for distribution.  In the meantime, students are encouraged to get the vaccine from their local health care provider, if possible. 

Several students with confirmed H1N1 have gone home to recuperate and the college has supported them in doing so.  Students who have remained on campus have been asked to self-isolate in their residence hall rooms until they are free from symptoms.  Students will be able to obtain food from Dining Services without going to the dining hall. 

The Ursinus Medical Director continues to monitor the campus situation as well as information and guidelines from the PA Health Department and recommendations from the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) regarding flu conditions in an effort to make the best decisions for the College.  We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.

To help you understand more about the H1N1 virus, click on the frequently asked questions in the box to the right.

SEptember 1, 2009 general h1n1 Flu Information

Flu H1N1 Influenza A is a respiratory disease that causes influenza in humans, pigs, and birds. The recent emergence of a new H1N1 Influenza A virus that contains a mixture of genes from different virus strains normally restricted to swine, avian, and human Influenza A viruses is responsible for an influenza outbreak worldwide.

It is thought that the H1N1 flu spreads in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread, mainly through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick with the virus. It may also be spread by touching infected objects (i.e., door knobs, faucets, etc.) and then touching your nose or mouth. The current H1N1 influenza has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Follow the links on this page to learn more about H1N1 flu, how the virus is transmitted, symptoms among pigs and humans, swine-herd biosecurity, prevention and treatment, and related topics:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/en/

Pennsylvania Department of Health
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?q=252990