Like other institutions around the country, we have been monitoring and preparing for the expected arrival of large numbers of cases of the H1N1 flu, more commonly known as the swine flu. The university has already experienced at least 10 cases of the flu within the past two months. The flu is worldwide so it was inevitable that Shippensburg would ultimately have some cases.

While any illness is cause for concern, this strain - as of now - is relatively mild and easily treatable prompt administration of prescription medication. This does not, however, minimize the need for us to be vigilant and proactive to limit, as much as possible, the spread of the disease.

Several weeks ago, several members of the campus community, including Dr. John Coyle, director of health and emergency services, attended at statewide conference on the H1N1 flu with presentations from several members of the Pennsylvania Department of Health. It was reported that individuals ages 15 to 24 were the second highest group to be affected.

The health department officials stressed that if you are ill with the symptoms, you should not attend class or participate in an extracurricular activities. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and occasionally nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. If you are ill, contact Etter Health Center to receive appropriate treatment. You may return to class and other activities after you have been fever-free for 24 hours. The duration of the illness is about three to five days.

Clinical trials are underway on a vaccine, but the results will not be available until sometime in early September so the vaccine is not expected until mid- to late-October. In the meantime, we encourage you to take appropriate precautions such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing.

If you would like more information, please go to the following websites: www.h1n1inpa.com, www.flu.gov  or www.cdc.gov. We will also keep you informed as needed of any changes related to the flu on campus.