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October 1, 2009

Flu cases mostly students

Last week, Pitt passed the 300 mark for self-reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) since the first confirmed case of H1N1 flu was reported here on Aug. 27.

According to John Fedele, Pitt associate director of news, “All but two cases of ILI were among the student population, and there have been cases of ILI on each Pitt campus. One Pitt student has required hospitalization due to complications from flu symptoms. Since Sept. 8, there continues to be an average of about 50 active cases of ILI on any given day among students at the Oakland campus.”

The situation here follows the national pattern. The American College Health Association has been collecting data on influenza-like illness  from 267 colleges and universities. In the association’s most recent survey released last week, 91 percent of the institutions are experiencing active cases of influenza-like illness on campus. Nationwide, there have been 37 hospitalizations and at least two deaths from flu complications among university students at the participating schools.

While clinics for the administration of seasonal flu vaccine shots have started on Pitt’s campuses, H1N1 influenza requires a different vaccine. (See Sept. 17 University Times for clinic schedules.)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H1N1 vaccines are expected to be delivered beginning this month. Flu-Mist is expected first in early October and the flu shot vaccine is expected to begin being distributed in mid-October.

Fedele said all five Pitt campuses have registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to receive H1N1 vaccines. “The delivery dates and the number of doses available to Pitt are not known at this time, and both issues are beyond our control,” he said. “However, planning is underway at each campus for the promotion and administration of the H1N1 vaccination.”

According to the CDC, symptoms for H1N1 flu have been similar to seasonal influenza and the H1N1 flu generally has been mild. Otherwise-healthy people recuperate in one-eight days and usually need only over-the-counter fever reducers to cope with the symptoms.

A Sept. 11 press release from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases stated, “The early data from [clinical] trials indicate that 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccines are well tolerated and induce a strong immune response in most healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 when administered in a single unadjuvanted 15-microgram dose. For adults aged 65 and over, the immune response to 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine is somewhat less robust, as is the case with seasonal influenza vaccines.”

Previously, scientists thought that two doses taken at least three weeks apart would be required. Two doses still may be required for younger children. Full immunization from the H1N1 vaccine is believed to take about 10 days, the CDC said.

In a Sept. 29 press release, the CDC announced the tentative groups that should receive the vaccine first. They are: pregnant women; people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age; health care and emergency medical services personnel; persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, and people ages 25-64 who are at higher risk for H1N1 flu because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune systems.

Those groups total approximately 159 million people in the United States, the CDC estimated.

No shortage of 2009 H1N1 vaccine is expected, but vaccine availability and demand may be unpredictable and there is a possibility that, initially, the vaccine will be available in limited quantities, according to the CDC.Once the demand for vaccine for the prioritized groups has been met, providers also should begin vaccinating everyone ages of 25-64. Once vaccine demand among younger age groups has been met, providers should offer vaccination to people 65 or older, the CDC stated.

In an effort to counter false rumors, Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said all H1N1 vaccinations are voluntary. She added that Congress is examining the possibility of underwriting the costs associated with H1N1 vaccinations so that the vaccine could be offered for free.

Following CDC guidelines, Pitt faculty and staff who have influenza-like symptoms should not come to work and should avoid others as much as possible until free of fever for 24 hours. Individuals are encouraged to take preventive steps, including: Covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when one coughs or sneezes; washing hands often and thoroughly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners, and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth.

Pitt has established an H1N1 influenza web site at www.pitt.edu/swine-flu/. The web site includes Pitt-specific information and guidance, as well as links to the latest global, national, regional and local developments.

—Peter Hart

Filed under: Feature,Volume 42 Issue 3

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