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Probable case of H1N1 flu virus at PEA
By Jennifer Feals
jfeals@seacoastonline.com
September 15, 2009 2:00 AM
EXETER ? Phillips Exeter Academy on Monday reported its first probable case of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus of the year Monday morning.
Dr. Myra Citrin, PEA medical director, announced to the school community that a student was exhibiting mild flu symptoms and was resting comfortably in the PEA health center. A letter from Citrin was also sent out to the academy community ? students, staff and parents.
While this is the first student to report to the health center with flu-like symptoms this year, the academy does expect to see additional H1N1 cases and has prepared for an outbreak.
"We've been meeting about this over the summer, knowing that this was a possibility," said PEA communications director Julie Quinn. "We will be handing out thermometers and hand sanitizers, and have contingency plans in place in case this affects a number of students."
This past spring, two PEA students were diagnosed with H1N1 and one came down with the illness during the academy's summer session. They have all recovered, Quinn said.
"We have been planning for the arrival of H1N1 on our campus this fall, and we feel well prepared. We are following the state's advice and continuing business as usual," Citrin wrote in his letter to the academy community. "We are monitoring this situation closely and are always looking out for the safety and well-being of our students."
The school is notifying the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services.
The academy is advising any students exhibiting H1N1 symptoms to go immediately to the health center and not remain in a dorm or classroom. Day students, as well as faculty and staff, who exhibit flu-like symptoms are advised to stay home, contact their physicians and refrain from returning to campus until free of a fever for 24 hours without the aid of medications.
All members of the PEA community are advised to follow simple precautions: cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer; and do not share eating utensils.
Those diagnosed with the virus have generally experienced mild symptoms. These symptoms include fever and upper respiratory symptoms like coughing, nasal congestion and a sore throat. Some complain of headaches and muscle aches, and occasional vomiting and diarrhea.
By Jennifer Feals
jfeals@seacoastonline.com
September 15, 2009 2:00 AM
EXETER ? Phillips Exeter Academy on Monday reported its first probable case of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus of the year Monday morning.
Dr. Myra Citrin, PEA medical director, announced to the school community that a student was exhibiting mild flu symptoms and was resting comfortably in the PEA health center. A letter from Citrin was also sent out to the academy community ? students, staff and parents.
While this is the first student to report to the health center with flu-like symptoms this year, the academy does expect to see additional H1N1 cases and has prepared for an outbreak.
"We've been meeting about this over the summer, knowing that this was a possibility," said PEA communications director Julie Quinn. "We will be handing out thermometers and hand sanitizers, and have contingency plans in place in case this affects a number of students."
This past spring, two PEA students were diagnosed with H1N1 and one came down with the illness during the academy's summer session. They have all recovered, Quinn said.
"We have been planning for the arrival of H1N1 on our campus this fall, and we feel well prepared. We are following the state's advice and continuing business as usual," Citrin wrote in his letter to the academy community. "We are monitoring this situation closely and are always looking out for the safety and well-being of our students."
The school is notifying the N.H. Department of Health and Human Services.
The academy is advising any students exhibiting H1N1 symptoms to go immediately to the health center and not remain in a dorm or classroom. Day students, as well as faculty and staff, who exhibit flu-like symptoms are advised to stay home, contact their physicians and refrain from returning to campus until free of a fever for 24 hours without the aid of medications.
All members of the PEA community are advised to follow simple precautions: cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitizer; and do not share eating utensils.
Those diagnosed with the virus have generally experienced mild symptoms. These symptoms include fever and upper respiratory symptoms like coughing, nasal congestion and a sore throat. Some complain of headaches and muscle aches, and occasional vomiting and diarrhea.
