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HomeNewsAPSU has confirmed cases of flu, suspected to be H1N1

APSU has confirmed cases of flu, suspected to be H1N1

Austin Peay State University LogoAustin Peay State University officials received word late Thursday afternoon and again Friday afternoon that two commuter students are suspected of having H1N1, commonly referred to as “swine flu.” However, the University cannot verify if the illness is H1N1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is advising physicians to assume that if a person has flu-like symptoms or tests positive for flu at this time of year, it is likely H1N1, and isn’t advising further testing. Both students have been advised to stay home.

The University has formed a task force consisting of 22 faculty, staff and student representatives including faculty with expertise in public health, microbiology and epidemiology. The task force is planning and implementing procedures for preventing the spread of the virus on campus and developing action plans for various scenarios in the event of a campus wide epidemic.

Flu View from the CDC

Various preventive measures have been ordered, including the following: Presentations during both the Faculty/Staff and Freshman Convocations. Supplies of hand sanitizers and wipes for distribution to departments, offices and classrooms. Pocket hand sanitizers will be distributed to freshmen and residence hall rooms. University housing officials will also place hand sanitizers in common areas of residence halls. Initial plans are to have these items installed within the next few days. Classes begin on Saturday.

Information links for H1N1 have been posted on the Austin Peay home page, http://www.apsu.edu, and the Austin Peay Health Services home page, http://www.apsu.edu/healthservices, and will be updated as new information becomes available. Fliers are being posted throughout campus and provided to students with general information about prevention, symptoms and what to do if they think they have typical symptoms associated with H1N1. Faculty will also relay the same information to students as classes begin. University housing officials have also coordinated plans with dining services to provide meals to students who become sick and may be isolated in their residence halls.

Austin Peay Health Services plans to have regular flu vaccinations available beginning Oct. 15. However, these vaccinations do not protect individuals from H1N1. The University has registered to receive H1N1 immunizations but does not have any confirmation for receiving them and do not anticipate receiving any prior to late November or early December.

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