The University of Colorado at Boulder has confirmed four cases of H1N1 and identified 85 probable H1N1 cases among CU-Boulder students based on positive test results for Influenza A. The student who was hospitalized last week has been released and is recovering. The students live in both on- and off-campus residences.
Now that health officials have a better understanding of the virus, university health officials this week scaled back the testing protocol. As of Sept. 3, 85 students have tested positive for Influenza A. Beginning next week, the university will report the number of cases with flu-like symptoms, but will primarily test students who meet high-risk criteria. It is expected that the number of cases of flu-like symptoms will be higher.
"People who have flu-like symptoms and risk factors for developing complications from the flu, or people without high-risk factors whose symptoms are worsening or changing, should be evaluated by a health care professional as soon as possible," said Dr. Pamela Talley, lead medical clinic physician, Wardenburg Health Center. "Students without risk factors should stay in their rooms, apartments and houses and self-isolate."
Populations considered at increased risk of H1N1 complications include pregnant women, people with suppressed immune systems such as those undergoing chemotherapy, people with diabetes or other complicating medical conditions, and small children. The Wardenburg Health Center will consider only people in these at-risk populations or with worsening flu symptoms as potential recipients of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu.
CU-Boulder is coordinating with Boulder County Public Health around future vaccination clinics and to acquire a portion of the national stockpile of medications.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend that universities cancel large-scale events or quarantine students or any individuals who may be infected as an H1N1 containment strategy. At this time, CU-Boulder is not canceling any special events or classes and is actively monitoring Type A influenza cases in cooperation with Boulder County Public Health.
The university is communicating to students and faculty and staff through a variety of media on how to take important precautions against the virus and how to self-treat if someone has symptoms of an influenza virus and when it is appropriate to seek medical care and evaluation.
CU officials are advising all students who have flu-like symptoms to first self-isolate within their residence hall rooms, their apartments or shared housing facilities; to cover their noses and mouths when they cough or sneeze; and to frequently wash their hands with soap and warm water or disinfect with hand sanitizer.
Students are asked to report flu-like symptoms to their hall director or resident adviser. Students living in the residence halls who have flu-like symptoms are urged to stay in their residence hall rooms and not to enter large-group settings until 24 hours after any fever has ended (without the aid of medications).
Students also should report flu-like symptoms to their hall director or resident adviser. Housing and dining staff will deliver kits including food items and surgical masks to residents who report flu-like illness. Community Health information tables have been provided at dining facilities during meal times to encourage good hygiene practices and to answer questions that students have about the flu.
Any CU-Boulder student who is experiencing influenza-like illness can call either the Wardenburg Health Center or their medical provider to discuss treatment options. People who are at increased risk and who are experiencing influenza-like illness should be seen by a health care provider promptly.
Because students with influenza-like illness are being encouraged to isolate themselves, CU-Boulder faculty members have been advised to work with students who miss class due to the flu. CU-Boulder does not have the facilities to individually isolate individuals with Influenza A.
Students who think they may have symptoms related to H1N1 may call the Wardenburg Health Center at 303-492-3435. Parents with H1N1 concerns are encouraged to call 303-492-4636.
The CU-Boulder H1N1 Flu Web site has information on measures to prevent and manage influenza-like illness at .
The Wardenburg Health Center has posted recommendations on protecting against and treating influenza on its Web site at .
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for institutions of higher education are posted at .