H1N1 Influenza
Purdue University is carefully monitoring news concerning the H1N1 influenza virus. Unlike seasonal flu, H1N1 is a novel virus, and we have little or no immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predict as many as 40 percent of us could become ill with this new virus over the next two years. And while H1N1 has not been an especially lethal virus so far, the CDC says it has the potential to become so. It's also thought that the college-age population will be more at risk than those 25 or older.
This Web site offers information about vaccinations and resources to help if you or someone you know becomes ill. The most important steps are to practice good hygiene and to stay home and isolate yourself if you are ill for at least 24 hours after your temperature returns to normal without the aid of medicine.
Campus warned of spike in H1N1 in southeast (April 12, 2010)
A recent spike in H1N1 cases in the southeast part of the United States has prompted Purdue officials to remind the campus community that vaccinations are still available.
"Although the incidence of H1N1 has declined nationally, regional activity has been reported in the southeast,” said James Westman, director of the Purdue Student Health Center."
Purdue has seen a decline, but a few cases of influenza-like illness diagnosed have been reported. One recent case has been laboratory-confirmed as being H1N1, so despite the decline, the illness is still present in the population.
H1N1 vaccination covered 100 percent by all Purdue medical plans (Oct. 22, 2009)
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Anyone covered by a Purdue medical plan can get the H1N1 vaccine at no cost once the vaccine becomes available.
In Tippecanoe County, the county health department is distributing vaccine to the University, public health clinics, doctors' offices and retail pharmacies as it becomes available.
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