USM’s Health Services has stopped testing for the H1N1 virus after two cases were confirmed in the University community.
Out of “dozens” of tests sent from Health Services to the state lab since Sept.1, two came back positive for H1N1 — or swine flu — said Craig Hutchinson, vice president for student development at USM. The cases of H1N1 were confirmed within the last few weeks, he said, and “the individuals were well on their way to recovery by the time the test results were returned.”
According to the Maine Center for Disease Control, 270 new cases of H1N1 were identified through testing in the past week across the state, resulting in the hospitalization of 31 people, eight of whom children.
Two people from Maine diagnosed with H1N1 died last weekend, said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of the Maine CDC, bringing to nine the total number of flu-related deaths since the pandemic hit Maine in August. Everyone who died had serious underlying health problems, Mills said.
"Because H1N1 is so widespread throughout the country, it is important for those at high risk for complications to take extra precautions over this holiday weekend," said Mills. "We advise staying away from large crowds and starting antiviral medicines at the first sign of illness. It is also important that those who are ill not travel, even if that means missing the holiday dinner."
“Although the USM community seems to have been spared the level of flu that other areas have been experiencing, we are clearly seeing an increase in illness,” Hutchinson said. “The point is that we should assume that the flu is here.”
Since swine flu was confirmed at USM, Health Services has decided to stop testing for H1N1 in patients complaining of flu-like symptoms. Clinical Director Ann Conley said the decision was based on a recommendation from the Maine CDC, who advised health care providers to treat every instance of the flu as H1N1 once the disease has been confirmed in a community.
The two people diagnosed with H1N1 were tested in Gorham, Conley said. One is a dorm resident in Gorham and the other lives in Portland. She did not know when they were originally diagnosed. She declined to disclose their names because of concerns of privacy.
Health Services has provided roughly 1,000 people in the USM community with the H1N1 vaccine. They focused on those most at risk such as pregnant women, care givers of children under six months, residence facility students and people with chronic underlying health conditions. Health Services currently has a “very limited” supply of the vaccine, and does not expect to order more before Jan.1.
If you are in one of categories of high risk people and wish to be vaccinated, contact University Health Services at 780-4211 for an appointment.
Health Services recommends the following precautions to avoid getting the flu:
Wash your hands, often, with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol based hand sanitizer is also effective and is located at multiple points around campus for your convenience.
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or into a tissue.
Know the signs and symptoms of the flu: A fever equal to or greater than 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) and cough or sore throat. For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU
Get vaccinated when you can: H1N1 and/or seasonal depending on your circumstances.
If you are ill:
Students (including student employees):Do not attend classes, campus events, work or go to the dining hall. Students should inform faculty, via e-mail or phone, that you are unable to attend class if you are able to do so.
Employees: Please do not report for work. Please see information specifically for employees at the USM Human Resources Web site. http://www.usm.maine.edu/hrs/h1n1_flu.html
It is recommended that you stay at home for the duration of your illness. Please do so until 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the aid of fever reducing medications.
Residence Hall Students: Please call the Residential Life Hot Line at 780-5550 for assistance with returning home or in-hall isolation and assistance with obtaining meals.
You may contact the University Health Service at 780-5411 or 780-4211, or other health care provider, to speak to a triage nurse. To minimize the spread of illness, students are urged to call before coming in.