Penn Student Health Service reported 89 cases of influenza-like illness suspected to be type H1N1 on campus for the week of Sept. 20-26, according to Matthew Waller, director of public affairs and communications in the Office of the Vice Provost for University Life.
The new cases make Penn's weekly infection rate 44.2 cases per 10,000 students per week, well above the American College Health Association's Pennsylvania college average of 28.9 cases per 10,000 students and the national college average of 20.1 cases per 10,000 students for the week of Sept. 19-25.
SHS is currently reserving their low supply of seasonal flu vaccinations for those who are at risk for complications from the flu, Waller said. SHS expects to receive more seasonal flu vaccines soon.
A vaccine specific to H1N1 is expected to become available sometime this month, SHS director Evelyn Wiener said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended that all persons between the ages of six months and 24 years old 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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