In week 2 of the semester (Sept. 6–12), University Health Services (UHS) evaluated 345 students with influenza-like illness (ILI). ILI cases represented 28 percent of primary care visits. Of the total cases reported since the outbreak began, 98 percent were under age 25 and 14 percent live in residence halls.
UHS first began seeing an increase in cases on Tuesday, Sept. 1, the day before the start of classes. The unusual number of cases has been attributed to the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, which is known to be extremely infectious to young adults.
“Last week we evaluated 198 people over a five-day period, and this week it was 345 people over seven days,” says Dr. Sarah Van Orman, executive director of UHS.
“The good news is that the level of activity is fairly similar to the first week. It has not increased exponentially. However, we don’t expect the H1N1 vaccine to arrive for at least another six weeks.”
“I know a lot of people are tired of worrying about hand-washing and cough etiquette and self-isolation,” says Van Orman, “but those are still the simplest and best preventative measures out there to help protect yourself and the people around you.”
No hospitalizations of students with ILI have been reported to UHS.
Students who need urgent medical advice may contact UHS at (608) 265-5600. Students with “high-risk” medical conditions should call UHS or another healthcare provider promptly if they get sick. Please be aware that UHS is experiencing very high call volume, and callers may be put on hold or called back.