RIO GRANDE — Reports of H1N1, commonly known as the swine flu, have surfaced at the University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College as well in the city of Gallipolis.

The cases are not confirmed and can only be considered to be probable at this time as the Centers for Disease Control have not been accepting samples due to the overwhelming volume of recent reports, according to spokesperson for the Gallia County Health Department.

URG/RGCC recently informed its students, faculty, and staff that Type A Influenza has been identified on campus and in the surrounding community. Since the time for seasonal flu has not yet arrived, those diagnosed with Type A Influenza are thought to have H1N1. Since symptoms and treatment are the same for both types of flu, an exact diagnosis is not considered to be essential, though prevention is urged.

Symptoms have a rapid onset and include fever, often but not always of 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, significant body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue.

Citizens are encouraged to stay home as long as fever is present and to wait at least 24 hours after the fever subsides, without medication, before returning to normal activities.

Immunization for the H1N1 virus is not currently available, though high risk groups will receive priority when it does become available.

The seasonal flu vaccine will be made available to Gallia residents by the Gallia County Health Department from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13 in the lower gym at the Lyne Center.