While there was concern earlier this year that a limited amount of flu vaccinations would cause a higher number of flu cases in State College, Penn State students are getting the virus less frequently than they did last year.

Ellen Nagy, University Health Services (UHS) marketing manager, said she has not seen a large surge of the flu virus on campus this winter; the first case was not reported until this month.

Most of the students UHS has seen this winter have complained of flu-like symptoms, but they have not had the flu, which is typical, Nagy added.

Stephen Tingley, a UHS physician, said that so far there is no epidemic around campus, and Penn State is just reflecting national trends.

"We are very fortunate this year," said Tingley.

Tingley said extra precautions students may be taking, like washing their hands, could be the reason for the reduction in flu cases, but it is difficult to prove.

Kim Aboud, Geisinger Health System public relations and marketing manager, agreed.

"Our clinic practice is seeing the same trend in the flu as we are seeing nationally," Aboud said.

Larry Stetson, district epidemiology manager for the Pennsylvania Department of Health, said the flu has not become widespread across the state, but State College has seen a sporadic outbreak of cases around the area.

"Variation of the seasons has a lot to do with it," Stetson said.

It is tough to determine how potent and how quickly it spreads, Nagy said.

Nichole Gustafson (freshman-marketing) is one student who was not lucky enough to avoid the virus. When she went to UHS yesterday, she said she experienced the typical symptoms of fatigue, high fever, chills and a hacking cough.

UHS determined she did have the flu.

Gustafson said she doubts the virus will turn into a large problem around campus, and her flu should only last a couple of days.

Stetson said fewer people were vaccinated this year than last year, but the different fluctuations sometimes have to do with the weather or people being more conscientious.

"Students are doing a good job washing their hands," said Jill Blake, a licensed practical nurse at UHS.

Nagy said it is good news for Penn State students that there has not been a big influx in the flu virus, but students should still be cautious.

"Just because there is no big upsurge doesn't mean they [students] shouldn't be careful," Nagy added. "They aren't home free."

Connie Cavalier, a UHS nurse manager, said she has seen many cases and epidemics over the years from working with UHS.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that it won't get bad," Cavalier said.