Central Michigan University still has no confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza on campus contrary to a published report today.
“We have no confirmed cases of H1N1 on campus,” Steve Smith, director of public relations, told Central Michigan Life today. “The article was misleading.”
Smith said the community will be informed if cases arise.
“We are going to update people when we get additional information,” he said. “Obviously, the entire university community is taking this seriously.”
Smith said he has no idea where the report came from. The initial report claimed CMU had two cases of H1N1.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during the week of Aug. 23-29, influenza activity increased in the United States. However, Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina are reporting widespread influenza activity at this time.
Since the CDC and the Michigan Department Community Health decided to suspend routine testing, it’s hard to tell how many cases we’ve had, said Medical Director of the Central Michigan District Health Department Dr. Robert Graham.
The virus and its effects were being characterized, causing citizens to be concerned.
If individuals have only a few of the symptoms, they shouldn’t worry. By the time they go to get treated, in most cases the worse will be over, Graham said.
“If someone already had (H1N1), chances are they’re getting over it,” he said. “Not everybody who gets the virus is going to seek medical care.”
There have been roughly more than 3,500 cases of H1N1, Graham estimated, and more than 100 locally in Isabella County.
But generally speaking, most people are able to throw off the virus on their own, Graham said.
Prevention
There are six symptoms that have been identified with the swine flu. Such symptoms include coughing, fever, headaches, congestion, diarrhea and vomiting.
“We have put out an announcement on preventative methods that (students) can take,” Smith said.
The main way to prevent catching the virus is to maintain good daily hygiene and washing of the hands.
Swine flu is very similar to the seasonal flu, Graham said.
Students and staff should be more aware of their hygiene and ways to maintain it well.
“We are encouraging everyone to take on personal responsibility,” Smith said. “Wiping things down and washing their hands, that’s our message right now to make.”
E-mail the author: 
Amelia Eramya
(Powered by 
It is important to define the term “confirmed” in this situation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (and I quote):
A confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is defined as a person with an influenza-like illness with laboratory confirmed novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by one or more of the following tests:
real-time RT-PCR
viral culture
So, to report that there are “no confirmed cases” of 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) could mean that 1) there are indeed no cases of influenza-like illness or 2) any cases have been shown to be negative by laboratory confirmation testing or 3) there are cases of influenza-like illness but samples have not been submitted for laboratory testing or results have not yet been received and thus remain unconfirmed.
The CDC does not recommend that all cases be laboratory confirmed.
Nationwide, for the last week that data have been tabulated (week 34), 97% of Influenza A viruses that could be typed were shown to be 2009 Influenza A (H1N1).
The Michigan Department of Community Health reports confirmed and probable cases of flu like illness in aggregate. One such case was reported in Isabella county between August 30 and September 5, and 2 additional cases were reported in the county during the week prior.
MDCH website: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2940_2955_22779_53388-213600–,00.html
CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
H1N1 or Swine Flu is a bit scary but it a good thing to note that this virus is not that very deadly. .