Swine flu 2009: Vaccine update

More than 25 cases of H1N1 or "swine" flu have been confirmed on the Case Western Reserve University campus in the month of October, but that number is expected to rise. Case Western's Emerging Infections Committee officially announced over the weekend that Case has been given over 4000 vaccines to distribute to students, faculty, and staff.The now-infamous infection has affected students living on- and off-campus, as well as graduate students and Case staff members. Almost all the dormitories have had at least one case, and the infection is expected to spread further around campus and Ohio at large.

As reported earlier in October by The Observer, there had been an almost six-week gap between infections on campus, but dozens of students from multiple Case departments and living arrangements have fallen ill in the past two weeks. Indeed, Ohio at large has seen a spike in H1N1 infections.

Dr. Eleanor Davidson, the Director of Health Services on campus, says that "infections like [H1N1] sometimes spread quickly in dormitories simply because of proximity. If someone gets sick, their roommates may test positive even if they have been careful."

Beginning this week, University Health Services will be distributing their allotted vaccines all over campus. Fribley, Wade Commons, and the Adelbert Gym will all host opportunities for the community to receive the vaccine. Though the vaccine has been the subject of controversy and debate recently, UHS strongly advises all students get vaccinated, both for their own health and that of people around them. "For their own safety, people should know that the flu is around them," said Tim Eppich, associate director of nursing.

Already, students and staff charged with the care of infected students have been inoculated against H1N1, including the Case EMS, resident assistents, and the Housing & Residence Life staff. As they are the primary point of contact for anyone with H1N1 on campus, they have also been supplied with masks and other disease-prevention equipment. To keep campus safe, however, responsibility lies most heavily with those who are sick. "Anyone showing flu symptoms should wear a mask and isolate themselves as much as possible" said Eppich.

Students showing symptoms have been furnished with a booklet describing recommended actions, including isolation. Students should have their friends or roommates get them "sick meals" from Case dining services, and should drink lots of clear liquids to stay hydrated.

UHS has been working with the Center for Disease Control, as have other hospitals around the country, to detect patterns in infections. They check absenteeism in local schools as one indicator and also take full histories of Case students that test positive. "An important method to stop the spread of H1N1 is to identify clusters of infection, such as a particular school or fraternity with several illnesses," says Dr. Davidson.

In particular, the undergraduate schools of engineering and nursing have shown higher levels of infection, and the fraternity Zeta Beta Tau had several infections last week. All students are expected to make full recoveries.

Several times more students have been vaccinated from seasonal flu than in years past. "Last year we had about 200 undergraduates take advantage of the seasonal flu vaccines on campus. This year, it was more than 1000," said Eppich.

Absenteeism is one of the greatest challenges associated with an H1N1-type infection. Though few, if any, students may develop serious flu-related complications, this particular disease is often debilitating enough to prevent students from studying or attending class for up to a week. UHS has asked professors to be lenient on students with the flu, but there is currently no university policy governing extended absences for H1N1. However, students exhibiting flu-like symptoms should still visit UHS immediately, and request documentation of their visit.

The seasonal flu is not expected to be a major threat until after H1N1 infections peak. The much-publicized 'shortage' of seasonal flu vaccine is due to the vaccine-makers' high H1N1 vaccine production. By the time the seasonal flu infection rates begin to rise in early December, there should be adequate numbers of that vaccine available. There is currently no reported occurrence of seasonal flu on campus.

Editor's Note: As of Wednesday, October 28, members of the Case community deemed "high risk" can receive H1N1 nasal spray vaccinations at the following times and locations: Monday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Thwing 1914 Lounge; Monday, Nov. 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Thwing Center Ballroom; and Wednesday, Nov. 4, from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Wade Commons.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) defines "high risk" groups as the following: all residential students, all students 25 years of age or younger, all students under the age of 50 working in health care or service professions, and/or all faculty/staff 25 years of age or younger.