University Response
H1N1 novel influenza has made rapid progress globally since its recognition in April, 2009. The 2009 influenza pandemic has spread internationally with unprecedented speed. In past pandemics, influenza viruses have needed more than six months to spread as widely as the new H1N1 virus has spread in less than its initial six week period. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert to level 6 indicating a global pandemic.
USF Student Health Services received laboratory confirmation of H1N1 influenza in several USF students during July 2009. To date all students with confirmed or suspected cases of H1N1 have recovered uneventfully. The Hillsborough County Health Department (HCHD) has advised the medical community that “almost all influenza-like illness that you see in your practice is likely to be due to the novel 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus”. This statement will likely hold true until the seasonal flu becomes prevalent in the coming months.
As the media has reported, this influenza has been spreading worldwide yet remains a relatively mild illness for most individuals. There have been sporadic cases of critical illnesses and even death from this virus in some previously healthy people. For this reason and because novel viruses are known to be unpredictable, a vaccine has been developed to protect against H1N1. H1N1 vaccine is being distributed through the county health departments, and USF Student Health Services has registered and placed an order for delivery as it becomes available. Check back to this site for continually evolving information on the vaccine availability status and distribution information.
Student Health Services is monitoring the prevalence of Influenza Like Illness (ILI) on the Tampa Campus and reporting the numbers to the Hillsborough County Health Department. Click here for the weekly graph of ILI statistics as reported to the HCHD. USF administration and Student Health Services continue to closely monitor the situation to prepare for any necessary change in action.
