H1N1 cases down as flu season nears

The number of H1N1 cases at Duke is leveling off just in time for the regular flu season to begin.

Student Health reported fewer cases of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, in the past couple weeks, said Sue Wasiolek, dean of students and assistant vice president for student affairs. The number of infected students peaked around Oct. 17, Jean Hanson. Student Health administrative director, said.

“Student Health was averaging anywhere between 30 and 45 cases a week for the last several weeks, but last week, they had about 25 cases reported,” she said.

Hanson said swine flu trends at Duke follow statewide trends.

The decrease in cases could, in part, be caused by the distribution of 755 FluMist nasal spray vaccines during Student Health’s flu-shot clinic Oct. 7. Even after the vaccinations, Student Health is still urging students to take extra precautions throughout the year.

“It’s going to be more challenging now with the beginning of the regular flu season,” Hanson said. “It’s going to be a little more confusing about who has what.”

She added that students who are more susceptible to contracting swine flu should continue to take additional measures to protect themselves against the virus.

“The majority of people who are relatively healthy will recover [from the flu], but those with underlying illnesses such as respiratory problems are at a greater risk,” Hanson said. “If [their illness] is getting worse or not getting better, we really need to see them.”