Up to seven possible H1N1 flu cases at Luther College

Luther College officials announced on Friday afternoon that seven students are believed to have come down with the H1N1 virus.  The students tested positive for Influenza A and the tests have been forwarded to the State Lab for confirmation of the H1N1 virus.

An e-mail sent to students and staff members on Friday said, “Because the H1N1 virus is very contagious, we expect more members of the campus community will be infected in the weeks ahead.”

But while the virus is contagious and dozens of college campuses have reported outbreaks, there have been no reported fatalities in the United States.

The college had already previously set up a Pandemic Influenza Response Team and created an information web site in case of an outbreak of H1N1 virus.  The web site recommends precautions that students and staff members can take to avoid the spread of the flu.  Those tips include washing hands frequently with water and soap; covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough; and avoiding sharing food, drink or utensils with others.