Update on H1N1 Cases, Procedures
Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, has received confirmation that two additional students tested positive for the H1N1 virus. In total, four Penn State Behrend students tested positive for Type A influenza at the college’s Health and Wellness Center. Further testing, done via a nasal swab, confirmed that each had H1N1 flu.
No additional students have tested positive for Type A influenza. Penn State Behrend’s Health and Wellness Center continues to test students who present with influenza-like illness (ILI) to determine if they have Type A influenza.
“When those tests come back negative, students have felt more confident in their treatment plans and have been able to return to class more quickly,” said Patty Pasky McMahon, nurse practitioner and coordinator of Health and Wellness Services.
Students coming to the health center with ILI symptoms continue to receive standard treatment recommendations that include bed rest, fluid intake, and the use of over-the-counter medications to reduce pain, fever, coughs and other symptoms. Flu sufferers are being advised to isolate themselves from others until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
At this point, Penn State Behrend is comfortable with its approach in handling the seasonal and H1N1 flu.
“We began doing inoculations for students, faculty and staff for the seasonal flu this week and expect to receive the H1N1 vaccine once it is available,” said Dr. Jack Burke, chancellor.
Penn State Behrend continues to promote prevention as the number one step for all members of the college community to lessen the impact of seasonal and H1N1 flu.
Previous H1N1-related releases:
College Has Two Confirmed Cases of H1N1 Virus (9/21/09)
Seven Total Suspected Cases of H1N1 Virus (9/17/09)
Test Results Suggest Arrival of H1N1 Virus (9/14/09)
Stay Healthy During Flu Season (9/2/09)