WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue University students are flooding the health center on campus and clinics off campus after dozens of them were diagnosed with H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu.

With so many students in such close proximity, college campuses are a breeding ground for germs. Purdue officials want students to do their part to curb the flu's spread, 6News' Sarah Cornell reported.

Special Section: H1N1 Flu

Of the 40,000 students on campus, 67 have suspected cases of H1N1. It's not a big number percentage wise, but administrators are taking it seriously.

"This particular population has very little immunity to the flu, and therefore it's spreading a little more quickly than a normal flu might," said Purdue spokeswoman Jeanne Norberg.

Symptoms of H1N1 are similar to any other flu, so being tested is the only way one can know for sure if they have it.

Because the test costs about $50, most students are opting out and treating their sickness as flu.

Signs are posted at residence halls reminding students of flu symptoms and ways to prevent the spread of the virus.

"It really is a matter of educating people and letting them know that this is spreading, that it is contagious," Norberg said.

Students who are sick are encouraged to stay by themselves in their rooms or go home. Professors have implemented more lenient attendance policies.

"A lot of people who do require attendance policies are trying to be a little more flexible, either by verifying … if they have a situation of isolation, by verifying that after the fact," said Laurie Pinkert, an assistant professor.

Purdue administrators have been preparing for a flu outbreak since spring. With other college campuses reporting as many as 600 cases, officials know the situation could worsen.

Many students don't seem too concerned about the virus or its spread.

"It is blown out of proportion, because I don't know anyone that has personally gotten it or died from it yet," said freshman student Kaylee King.

Administrators are keeping students and parents abreast of the situation through e-mail and on the school's Web site.