It’s that time of year: time to worry about a swine flu outbreak at your school. How prevalent is the flu so far – and which states are being hit the hardest?

Data from the American College Health Association (ACHA) suggest that influenza-like symptoms have already hit students at nearly three-fourths of colleges and universities. Most of the flu virus now making its way through college campuses is swine flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The ACHA has invited colleges and universities to voluntarily submit data regarding new cases of influenza-like illnesses. Their case counts and rates represent only those schools that choose to report.

Of the numbers reported to the ACHA, Washington had been hit harder than any other state as of September 4, with a rate of almost 367 cases per 10,000 students. Georgia was second in incidence rate, at nearly 126 cases per 10,000 students.

The good news: In the vast majority of cases, students have not become sick enough to require hospitalization.

For the most up-to-date data from the ACHA, click here.

What is your school doing to prevent a swine flu outbreak? Tell us in the comments section below.

Tags: American College Health Association, H1N1 virus, health issues, student health, swine flu