Boise State University has confirmed its first case of H1N1 flu, or swine flu, and the patient is a student who lives in the residence halls. "Most cases to date have been mild and people have recovered quickly," the university reports; BSU also is in the midst of a campaign to help faculty, staff, students and the community cope with the flu season and prevent infection. Click below to read their full announcement. This after Washington State University in Pullman made headlines last week with the nation's highest number of campus swine flu cases, at 2,500 - more than a third of the college student cases nationwide. Learn more about swine flu, its symptoms, and how to prevent infection here at spokesman.com.

BOISE STATE CONFIRMS FIRST CASE OF H1N1 VIRUS; PREVENTION AND AWARENESS EFFORTS ARE IN PLACE

Boise State University confirmed the first case of the H1N1 influenza on campus over the weekend. The affected individual is a student living in the residence halls. Boise State is continuing to monitor the situation and is asking individuals to self-isolate if they are feeling ill. Most cases to date have been mild and people have recovered quickly.

Plans are already in place to minimize impact on faculty, staff, students and operations in case of a major outbreak on campus. Information is available on the university homepage at www.boisestate.edu by clicking on the H1N1 tab.

Boise State is currently in the midst of a “Get Ready” campaign to inform the campus community about the H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses (precautions and treatment are the same for both). Additional efforts include:
•    A panel titled “Get Ready for Flu Season,” scheduled for noon Wednesday in the Student Union Barnwell Room, will discuss seasonal and H1N1 flu prevention and recommendations. The event is open to faculty, staff, students and the community. Register at www.boisestate.edu/healthservices/events.
•    Flu kits will be distributed to the campus community later this month on the Quad, in student housing and in the Student Union. Kits include hand sanitizers, tissues and self-care information.
•    An e-mail was distributed to all students, faculty and staff educating them about symptoms and prevention techniques, including washing hands often, covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, routinely cleaning “high touch” surfaces and encouraging them to consider receiving the H1N1 vaccination, when available.

“Each year, we and the community at large struggle with respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Vince Serio, Director of Medical Services for Boise State’s Health, Wellness and Counseling Services. “H1N1 is an opportunity to remind people how the flu spreads and encourage them to take appropriate action.”

All members of the campus community are encouraged to follow appropriate preventive measures to minimize the impact of H1N1 on daily learning, teaching, research and service activities. The first line of defense is for those with flu or flu-like symptoms to stay home for at least 24 hours after the last fever.

A self-assessment to help you decide when to seek medical care for the flu or other respiratory infections is available at http://www.boisestate.edu/healthservices/H1N1/flu/cold/selfassesment.pdf.

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