University officials respond to increase in flu activity

Illinois State University officials continue to respond to H1N1 influenza as the scenario on campus mirrors what is unfolding locally and statewide. As cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) ramp up, everyone is being reminded to take proper precautions.

“The disease is progressing in a manner that is predictable in that on campus we are not seeing cases of ILI that we would not expect to see in a situation like this,” said Student Health Services Director Dwayne Sackman. “The students that we see are ill for a few days and then are able to return to class. There has been no increase in severity.”

Sackman anticipates that Illinois State will receive the injectable H1N1 vaccine within the next few weeks. The number of doses received will determine how the vaccine will be distributed. Meanwhile, everyone is encouraged to practice prevention techniques.

“We are reminding people to be diligent of all the things we have asked before: wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes and stay home from work or class if you are sick,” said Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Brent Paterson. People with symptoms should stay home until free of fever for 24 hours and call Student Health Services for consultation before going there. “We suggest students keep their families informed of their own health and the University’s H1N1 precautions,” Paterson added.

Faculty members have also been asked to be flexible in policies for missed classes and assignments. If students are going to miss class for three or more days, the Dean of Students Office will notify their professors upon request.

The University has also encountered an increased demand for the seasonal flu vaccine. Student Health Services will have dispensed 3,600 doses of seasonal flu vaccine after appointments are fulfilled over the next several weeks. It is not likely that more doses of seasonal flu vaccine will be available on campus after the current supply is exhausted.

Visit www.h1n1.ilstu.edu for more information about H1N1 on campus.

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