Swine Flu slows down

The flu seems to be slowing down here at PSU, as there were only 11 new cases of flu-like symptoms reported to Health Services from Oct. 24-Dec. 1. This decrease is not just reserved for PSU. The numbers reported by Plymouth State are consistent with the rest of the university system according to the American College Health Association (ACHA). The ACHA records data from over 265 universities across the country. In the state of NH there were only 120 new cases of flu-like symptoms during the week ending November 20, a 35 percent decrease from the previous week, with only 623 cases in the New England region. Across the country the there were 3,933 cases of flu-like symptoms, a total 37 percent decrease. This brings the total flu cases on college campuses to over 84, 287 with 157 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. In other good news, PSU received its first shipment of the H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine was made available just before Thanksgiving break, however there are still restrictions as to which students can receive the vaccine. According to the PSU Flu Update website, “Per NH Public Health and CDC guidelines, this vaccine can only be given to students up to age 24 with known risk factors for the flu, such as asthma, heart conditions, and those with suppressed immune systems. In order to receive the vaccine, students must present a Plymouth State student ID, proof of age, and show evidence of medical need to Health Services. Evidence of medical need can include medical records on file with Health Services or a referring note from a personal physician.” The consistent message from the state of NH is that there will not be public clinics until sometime in Dec. Those who fit into the high-risk category remain the highest priority for the vaccine. As far as the seasonal flu vaccines, PSU is still awaiting their arrival. The university is still expecting another 100 vaccines, according to Dean of Students Tim Keefe, though it is uncertain when those vaccines will arrive. Students will be notified of a flu shot clinic as soon as the vaccines arrive. Symptoms of H1N1 are not unlike those of the seasonal flu and include fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headaches and body aches and fatigue. Should a student experience these symptoms, they can report them to Health Services, preferably by phone to prevent the spread of the flu. The university is also requesting that ill students do not attend work or class. For more information on H1N1, students can visit the PSU website, and click on the H1N1 update page, or visit the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Service, or the Centers for Disease Control.