No H1N1 cases confirmed at CMU

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.”