Wake Forest University officials learned Friday (August 28) that the first two cases of H1N1 influenza (flu) at the University occurred this week. Two undergraduate students were confirmed by the North Carolina Laboratory of Public Health to have the illness. The students are being treated by the Student Health Service and are recovering with typical flu treatment.

Student Health Service officials have diagnosed a small number of other students with the flu this week, and suspect they may also have the H1N1 flu. Generally, those who develop H1N1 flu experience an illness similar to a seasonal flu. Most cases have been relatively mild in the United States.

The Student Health Service and Residence Life and Housing staffs are working cooperatively to inform students about the illness and to put in place plans to respond to needs of students as they emerge. Residence Life and Housing staff sent an e-mail to all residential students earlier today with details regarding food service arrangements that have been made to assist students who become ill with the flu. That message also included information on how to avoid spreading the virus, the availability of helpful information online, how to contact the Student Health Service, and more.

Since last week, the University has sent messages to students, faculty and staff regarding its preparations for H1N1 flu. The University encourages students, faculty and staff to take basic precautions to reduce the potential for exposure. These include avoiding other individuals who have been diagnosed with this type of flu and frequently washing hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer. People with flu-like symptoms are advised to isolate themselves until they have been without a fever for 24 hours (without medication).

If students with flu symptoms think they need to be evaluated, they are asked to call the Student Health Service to discuss possible treatment and care. The number is 336.758.5218.

Extensive information regarding H1N1 flu is readily available to the campus community. This includes information on the Student Health Service Web site at www.wfu.edu/shs. A section of this site is dedicated entirely to this type of flu at www.wfu.edu/shs/Influenza.html.

The University recommends that ill students inform their professors by e-mail of their illness.

The University will send additional e-mails as needed to update the community on new developments regarding the flu.