University Park, Pa. -- The flu has arrived early at Penn State this year, according to Bruce Jansen, M.D., clinical director of the General Medicine Department. A vaccination clinic will be held this week for students who have yet to be vaccinated.
There have been five laboratory-confirmed cases of Influenza A, with many more students exhibiting the same symptoms. Penn State is not the only place the flu has made an earlier-than-usual debut; the flu has arrived early all over the country.
Penn State's University Health Services (UHS) wants families and students to know they are very concerned about this outbreak spreading among students. To address this concern, UHS has scheduled a second Flu Vaccination Clinic this week. Although more than 1,600 students have already been immunized, UHS would like to increase the number of protected students.
Although students may be busy preparing for the end of the semester, protecting themselves from a week of being very sick should be a top priority, as well. Students are strongly urged to take the time to attend the following clinic:
Flu Vaccination Clinic
Ritenour Building, Room 16
Thursday, December 4
2 to 7 p.m.
$20 charged to student accounts
There are just 500 doses available, so shots will be administered on a first-come, first- served basis.
The symptoms of Influenza A include high fever, cough and muscle ache. If students have these symptoms, and they want to talk with a nurse about how to handle their care, they can call UHS at 814-863-4463. Since the flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won't help. But there are several anti-viral medications, which if taken within 48 hours of the start of the illness will decrease the severity of the symptoms and may cut the length of illness by a day. The nurse will help them decide what level of care is needed--urgent care, a clinic appointment, or self-care.