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UWG has reported the first confirmed case of Influenza A, as well as the first case of seasonal flu. H1N1, or “swine flu,” is a subtype of Influenza A, and the Centers for Disease Control have advised that there is no need for testing further, as H1N1 has been declared a pandemic. Over 90% of those who test positive for Influenza A also test positive for H1N1, so all Influenza A cases are being treated as "swine flu."
Students will not be tested for Influenza A unless they fit the screening criteria as set by the CDC. According to Dr. Leslie Cottrell, director of UWG Health Services, students who are ill with flu-like symptoms (fever, dry cough and body aches) will be tested for Type A influenza only if they have a fever of 102 or higher.
The typical incubation period for the flu is two days, and students and staff are urged to take care of themselves or stay in their housing for a few days to limit the spread of the virus.
Common symptoms for H1N1 are coughing, a fever, diarrhea, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, according to the CDC. In the University Police emergency plan for a pandemic flu, students with symptoms are urged to either visit Health Services or stay inside.
The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Georgia Tech has at least 100 suspected cases of flu, with twelve confirmed as H1N1, and the University of Georgia has approximately 60 suspected cases, 20 confirmed.
If UWG classifies the outbreak as “severe,” with at least 15% of the student population infected, school and classes could be closed for seven to ten weeks.
Students and staff should take proactive actions against the flu, by washing hands on a regular basis and avoiding infected people.
More information can be obtained from University Communication and Marketing and the University Police.
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