University of St. Thomas H1N1 (or Influenza-Like-Illness) Report for Sept. 30, 2009

By Madonna McDermott, director, Student Health Service & Wellness Center

The state of Minnesota is reporting increased influenza-like illness in schools and other sites across the state.  It now classifies the influenza-like illness presumed to be primarily H1N1 as "widespread," based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. "Widespread" is the highest classification in CDC's flu-reporting system. It means that cases of influenza have been reported in at least half of the state's regions.

The number of H1N1 cases at the University of St. Thomas continues rise gradually. A total of 88 cases of H1N1 now have been reported with 28 new cases since last week’s report. The cases are reported to be relatively mild with most students recovering and returning to classes after a few days.  There continues to be very limited numbers of students reporting H1N1 illness who reside in on-campus housing. No distinct pattern or clusters of cases have been identified.

As a result of high participation in the University of St. Thomas Student Health Service seasonal flu clinics and the delays in shipment from vaccine manufacturers, additional seasonal flu-shot clinics on campus are being postponed at this time. Manufacturers are concentrating on the production of H1N1 vaccine resulting in a delay in the delivery of ordered seasonal influenza vaccine. 

The CDC is predicting that about 45 million to 50 million doses of the H1N1 vaccine will become available in mid-October, followed by about 20 million a week after that, reaching a total of 195 million in December. 

The St. Thomas Student Health Service will provide additional information regarding the H1N1 vaccine distribution, as it becomes available, through this Web site and the Bulletin Today.