Penn Student Health Service reported 111 cases of influenza-like illness suspected to be type H1N1 on campus for the week of November 1-7, according to Matthew Waller, director of communications and external affairs for the Office of the Vice Provost of University Life.
The new cases make Penn’s weekly infection rate 55 cases per 10,000 students per week, up slightly from last week but down from Penn’s high of nearly 80 cases per 10,000.
SHS will administer H1N1 vaccine tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the ARCH building. The clinic expects to use all available vaccine tomorrow and encourages students to arrive early, Waller said. Further clinics are tentatively scheduled for Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, depending on shipment of the vaccine.
SHS does not currently have seasonal flu vaccine available, Waller said, but he added that he expects to receive more in the coming weeks.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that all persons under the age of 24 receive both the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine if possible.
All students can have a friend pick up a breakfast, lunch and dinner pack for them at any campus dining location, Waller said.
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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