Novel H1N1 Influenza Virus Updates

Archive of Updates

May 8, 2009

As of May 8, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control is reporting 1,639 confirmed cases of Novel H1N1 flu in 42 states, including 49 cases in Michigan. The CDC also reports that more cases will be identified as the population has little or no immunity against the virus. For more detailed information, please visit links provided on the Birkam Health Center Web site.

• April 30, 2009 Update
• April 28, 2009 Update

To University officials' knowledge, no local cases of H1N1 have been identified, and there is no evidence of sustained transmission in other parts of the world that would need to occur in order for the World Health Organization to raise the pandemic alert to the next level.

The CDC has been updating guidelines for testing, identifying and treating cases of flu, including cases of high-risk patients such as children, pregnant women and seniors. They also have issued new guidelines for school and university closures although there is nothing at this point which would affect Ferris State University. Vaccine development is proceeding but medical experts are several months away from full-scale production for H1N1.

The campus community still has a great investment and responsibility as citizens to stay healthy and informed about any virus or other communicable disease. We can do a lot to prevent illness if we take the following every day steps to lessen the spread of this flu and seasonal flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.  Cover your cough.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you are sick until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further. 

Seasonal flu vaccine manufacturing for next season is nearly complete. Remember that seasonal flu is responsible for 36,000 flu-related deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations annually. In addition, there is a possibility of reassortment (swapping virus genes) between the current Novel H1N1 Influenza virus and seasonal flu viruses. Such a reassortment virus could be resistant to current antiviral drugs.

This entry ends the current series on Novel H1N1 flu virus. Keep an eye out for further updates in the future if anything develops. Watch for other Birkam Health Center health information around campus, including the poster series "Cover Your Cough."

As we complete the semester and enjoy graduation at Ferris, the staff at Birkam Health Center wishes you well and also a good summer.