Penn Student Health Service reported 88 cases of influenza-like illness, suspected to be type H1N1 on campus for the week of Sept. 27 to Oct. 4, according to Vice Provost for University Life spokesman Matt Waller.
The new cases make Penn’s weekly infection rate 43.7 cases per 10,000 students per week, significantly above the Pennsylvania college average of 25.4 per 10,000 students per week, and the national college average of 18.9 cases per 10,000 students for the week of Sept. 25 to Oct. 2 reported by the American College Health Association.
SHS is currently reserving seasonal flu vaccinations for those who are at risk for complications from the flu, Waller said. SHS expects to receive more seasonal flu vaccine soon.
SHS hopes to begin distributing H1N1-specific vaccines in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines sometime in late October, Waller said.
The CDC has recommended that all persons under the age of 24 receive both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine if possible.
Students with flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue — are urged to remain at home and call the SHS flu help line at 215-746-3535 for further information.
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