H1N1 cases, link tracking the number of cases

[dunnottar]

Just wondering if you have the link to tracking the number of Hopkins H1N1 cases. A few weeks ago, I recall seeing stats re the # of cases at Hopkins (in the 800s if I recall correctly), the percentage of those at Homewood (80%); the percentage of those cases at Homewood who were freshman (40% of the 80%). Just wanted to check back in to compare the numbers and I can't find them. I have no idea how I happened upon them--just surfing around. It may have been on the medical school site. And it may have been back in September. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance for your help.

[JHU_Lauren]

I'm not sure what website you were reading.. those numbers seem QUITE large. Though there hasn't been an update including the number of reported cases of H1N1 in a few weeks, here is one from the end of September:

http://web.jhu.edu/administration/flu/updates/092309.html

So, as of the end of September, a little over 120 student cases of H1N1 were reported at the Homewood campus. {Though it is definitely possible considering the way the flu has been spreading, I doubt that the number ballooned that quickly in less than a month to include 800 people.}

My advice would be to just keep checking that website and the Johns Hopkins Critical Event Preparedness and Response website {http://www.insidehopkinsmedicine.org/cepar} for updates. I'm not sure if there actually is a website where there are running totals kept of all the H1N1 cases at Hopkins - if there is, I haven't seen it yet! But these two are definitely your best bets for accurate, official information.

[JHU_Daniel]

Like Lauren said, it doesn't seem like H1N1 (or any other flu strain, for the matter) is that prevalent on campus. Two on my floor contracted it, but luckily they were able to leave with their parents shortly after being diagnosed.

[JHU_Miranda]

I just wanted to add that Health and Wellness has done a great job of taking care of people and responding to the situation. Now they have two entrances (one for people with the flu and one without), and they also give out huge amounts of supplies to sick students. My roommate had it about 6 weeks ago (but I didn't get it!), and they gave us a huge container of lysol wipes, thermometers, and masks. Additionally, the FFC has a whole "Flu Food" program so that sick people don't infect others. They've also started giving out the vaccine for high-risk students.

[JHU_Jackie]

As a victim of H1N1, I have to say the advantage of going to the Health and Wellness is simply the fact that it allows you to coordinate and have the doctors talk to your professors if you have exams or something you need to be excused from. They do not want you over-exerting yourself or infecting others and thus are taking a lot of precautions. There is also purell everywhere on campus and other preventative measures.

[JHU_Sarah]

As another H1N1 victim, I have to agree that the Health and Wellness Center was a big help. They give all the sick students a humongous container of disinfectant wipes, a bunch of medical masks, thermometers, cough drops, hand sanitizer, and other stuff that you may need or that may prevent the spread of the flu. The health center also makes you stay quarantined in your room until 24 hours after your fever subsides, and they contact your professors for you to excuse you from missing class.

[JHU_Jessica]

Yes, those numbers are definitely incorrect. I just read Nov. 5th's News-Letter (entitled "H1N1 vaccine will soon be open to lower priority group") and read that according to Alain Joffe, Director of Student Health and Wellness, "as of Wednesday night [November 4th] there have been 315 presumed swine flue cases at the University."

If you're interested in more numbers, last week on November 5th all Homewood students received an e-mail about the H1N1 vaccine that stated, "PLEASE NOTE: Recently, we have diagnosed as many as nine Homewood students a day with presumed cases of H1N1 flu. All students should remind themselves of the preventive steps they should take to try to avoid becoming ill, In particular: Wash your hands frequently and cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve."

I hope this helped,

Jessica