Wardenburg has reported seeing fewer cases with flu-like symptoms. (CU Independent file/Morgan Hofmann)
Wardenburg Health Center is “seeing fewer weekly cases of students with flu-like symptoms.”
The number flu-like cases confirmed by the state health department since Aug. 1 remains at 446, according to a CU news release. Earlier news releases put the number of confirmed cases of H1N1, or swine flu, at four on Sept. 11. However, the latest news release had not confirmed any in the last week.
“We’ve got what we think is a stabilizing situation,” said CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard in the news release.
Officials at Wardenburg warned that the numbers are not likely to stay low.
“When the weather gets cold we expect to see an increase in cases,” said lead Wardenburg physician Pamela Talley in the press release.
During a conference call, Talley described the number of flu-related visits to Wardenburg as “historically, close to 200 a day,” adding that that was about the number of visits for the past two weeks.
Hilliard said that six or more “widely publicized” opportunities for being vaccinated should be available from early to mid October, with about 800 doses available per week.
Hilliard and Talley added that vaccinations will be given where possible, but that priority will probably have to be given to those considered at a higher risk for H1N1.
The news release described at-risk populations as “people with suppressed immune systems (such as those undergoing chemotherapy), people with diabetes, asthma or other complicating medical conditions and small children.”
Those with flu-like symptoms are asked to “self-isolate.” for 24 hours if living in the dorms, as well take usual precautions such as covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing and washing their hands.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Sam Dieter at samuel.dieter@colorado.edu.
