Butler sees high number of flu symptoms

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Health Officials at Butler University are seeing a spike in the number of students with flu-like symptoms.

A university spokesperson says the number of students complaining of flu-like symptoms has doubled compared to this time last year. However, the overall number is still low - around 50 students.

“The students we've seen that have come in with diagnosed symptoms, none of them had had a shot.  So I would say it's providing pretty good immunity from what we are seeing,” said Butler health Services Director Julie Howerton.

Howerton says along with the increase in the number of sick students, she is seeing an increase in the number of students seeking a flu shot.

Sophomore Mary Pennington went to the clinic Thursday to get a flu shot. She says she normally skips getting the vaccine. However, this year with her friends getting sick, she wants to take whatever precaution she can to avoid getting sick herself.

“I'm in a sorority and everyone is getting sick around there so I wanted to make sure I stayed healthy,” she said.

Butler's Health Services clinic is handing out influenza kits to students. The kit includes hand sanitizer, thermometers, cough drops, Tylenol and a mask. Sick students are being asked to isolate themselves as much as possible until their health improves. They are also told to eat meals in their rooms rather than in the cafeteria.

There have been 27 flu-related deaths in Indiana since the current flu season began. The prevalence of flu prompted Marion County hospitals to begin restrictions on visitors.

The Marion County Health Department is holding a free flu clinic Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. at their offices at 4012 Rural Street.

24-Hour News 8 will continue to update this story throughout the evening.