Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define H1N1 flu as a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses that is contagious and is spread from person to person. It is clear from organizations as varied as World Health Organization and the City of Worcester's Division of Public Health that the spread of H1N1 will almost certainly continue, and perhaps at a high rate. However, reports from the CDC indicate that the impact of the virus may not be as threatening as it once appeared. New state and federal policies mandate that, unless individuals are considered high risk (people in this category include children, pregnant women, new mothers, adults 65 years or older, HIV-infected individuals, and people who have chronic health conditions, etc.), they will not be tested for H1N1. Instead, most people with a fever of more than 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat will be diagnosed as having influenza-like illness (ILI). This is an important distinction because it indicates that the severity of H1N1 is on par with that of seasonal flu.
With that said, the flu is not an illness to take lightly. It is likely that this year's flu season will be pronounced. There is a very good chance that we could see an emergence of the influenza virus during the coming fall and winter seasons. Therefore WPI remains vigilant and is working to help keep our students, staff, and faculty safe and healthy through proper prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The university is following the guidance of the CDC, the Department of Public Health (DPH), and the Boston Public Health Commission for management of influenza and ILI.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: October 06, 2009 14:25:25