Pandemic Influenza

Shippensburg University continues to work with various state and federal agencies, including the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Pennsylvania Department of Health and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, to monitor the spread of H1N1 flu.

Pennsylvania is one of 10 states reporting widespread influenza. The current strain that is circulating is mild and treatable with prompt administration of prescription medication.

In light of available information, the university will continue to operate as normal, with all classes, camps and conferences to continue as scheduled. Because this flu is potentially serious, we urge any student or camper at the university who becomes ill with a distinctly flu-like illness to seek immediate medical evaluation at Etter Health Center. Center medical personnel are prepared to offer effective anti-influenza medication and to prescribe appropriate follow-up.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that if you live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical care. If you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.

For more information, go to the CDC's web site at http://pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/sf030.html.

Shippensburg University has been involved in preparation for Pandemic Influenza since fall of 2005. Johnson G. Coyle, M.D. is the Director of Health and Emergency Services for the University, and is the chairman of the 11 member Pandemic Flu Planning Committee. If you have specific questions, you may contact him at the health center.

Here are some reliable and informative links for current Pandemic Influenza information: