Combining a high enrollment semester with the on-coming flu season has created the perfect storm of germs, panic and tears.
Campuses aren’t known for being the cleanest places on the planet, which is why the H1N1 virus, has found it easy to prey on incoming students.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that this new strand of the influenza virus has infected more than one million people since its discovery in April.
For campus athletes, fighting the swine flu is a whole other ball game.
Earlier this month after a large flu outbreak at Washington State University, 16 players fell ill before their home opener against Stanford University; a game which they lost.
One can easily see that between the locker rooms, field tackles and high-fives alone there’s endless opportunities for the swine flu to creep in and cause some mayhem.
Already we have campuses confining infected students to their dorm rooms while others chose a sorority house and a gymnasium.
Emory University in Atlanta has quarantined more than 100 students to their dorms which they’ve renamed “Club Swine.”
Students receive free meals, have their linens changed daily and go on pharmacy runs in their van called the “Flying Pig.”
EC may be short on flying pigs, but all is not lost. There are many ways for students to take control of the situation.
First, be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone coughing or sneezing move, at least 6 feet away from the subject.
Keep your hands away from you face and wash them often throughout the day.
If you’re the one hacking the lung, go home and stay there.
Student Health Services (SHS) is working in conjunction with the CDC and the Public Health Department to distribute the H1N1 vaccine, which is due out in mid-October.
The vaccine will be free of charge for all EC students.
However, the seasonal flu vaccine costs $15 for EC students and available now.
Students can also find a handout on the seasonal and H1N1 virusposted on the SHS Web site and also in the Health Center.
Hand sanitizers throughout the campus at locations such as the food court, bathrooms and classrooms would help ease students nerves, but that’s wishful thinking due to budget cuts.
Children’s Hospital in Boston reports iPhone has come out with a new application called “Outbreak Near Me” which allows users to view their phones the spread of the H1N1 virus and other infectious diseases in the area.
All in all, students have nothing to worry about if they just take the time to take care of themselves.
Keep in mind that the chances of you contracting the swine flu are slim if you don’t already have an underlying illness.
Students just need to keep their composure and use common sense.
The H1N1 virus will be over before you know it.
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