TCU issues statement on flu cases

Fort Worth, TX

8/27/2009

Statement from TCU:
Students diagnosed with flu-like illnesses are receiving medical treatment; TCU is not delaying treatment by waiting for a confirmation of H1N1 flu. This is in accordance with local health authority recommendations. Flu cases are mild and most students are recovering within two to four days of illness onset. TCU continues to monitor the situation, share the information with the Tarrant County Public Health Department and follow their recommendations. Additionally, TCU will offer a vaccine for the seasonal flu and for the H1N1 flu once the government releases it.

For recent news and information, visit www.tcu.edu/fluinfo.asp.
 
Additional Information:

• Students continue to report flu-like symptoms. Because the number of ill students fluctuates, it is difficult to report ever changing numbers, so TCU has chosen not to focus on numbers, rather on treating the ill students.
• All cases have been mild and most students have recovered in 2-4 days from the onset of symptoms.
• TCU is following new CDC guidelines and not closing, rather asking ill students to self-isolate and avoid contact with the general population until 24 hours after they are fever-free without the use of fever-reduction medication.
• Student diagnosed with Influenza Type A receive medical treatment without confirming whether the type of Influenza A is H1N1 flu.
• Ill students are being treated with Tamiflu
• TCU continues to encourage faculty/staff/students to practice good hygiene such as washing hands frequently; avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth; and covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze.
• TCU has arranged for meal service to temporarily be delivered to ill students’ rooms who live on campus.
• TCU is cleaning residence halls daily with hospital-grade chemicals and has antibacterial wipes and masks available for students who wish to use them.