College Students vs. the Swine Flu (H1N1)

By Beverly Maurice
September 8, 2009
Filed under Health & Fitness, Student Life & News

Swine is not fine: The Swine Flu/H1N1 virus is a totally different animal than the typical flu.  Not only is it a different strain from the one we usually see in the late fall and winter months, but the population expected to be hit hardest is college students.

“The flu,” the sickness’ common name, tends to strike young children or the elderly.  While young people will be susceptible to the Swine Flu from traditional group settings like classrooms, people born before 1954 are suspected to be immune to it.  College students, because of living in such close quarters, are at the highest risk.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that during the week of August 16-22, 2009, “activity appears to be increasing in the Southeast based on influenza-like illness data reported by healthcare providers.”

Swine Flu Tips for College Students

College students must be pro-active to avoid contracting the Swine Flu (as well as other contagious illnesses).  Frequent hand washing is a must, and use hand sanitizers.  It’s a smart idea to frequently clean high-touch surfaces such as bathrooms, doorknobs, elevator buttons, keyboards, tables, phones, TV remotes, etc.

If you get sick with a fever and cough and suspect the flu, check in promptly with Proctor Student Health Center.  You should also isolate yourself from other people.  If you can’t isolate yourself, try to wear a surgical mask.  For a complete advisory from Kathryn Welborn, RN and Candy Fesperman, RN, of our Student Health Center, please visit the H1N1 Information Page. The advisories at the website indicate that we should not come to school sick and, if we have left school to recover, we should not return to school until we have been fever free (without a fever reducer) for a minimum of  24 hours.

H1N1 Vaccine Facts

Equally as important as the preventative precautions is getting vaccinated against the Swine Flu.  Nurse Welborn noted that the 2 dose vaccine will be free for all of Catawba’s students, faculty and staff.  We will be notified when the vaccines arrive.

Just like the regular flu shot, if you are allergic to eggs, you can not have the Swine flu vaccine.

Most health professionals are recommending those who are at high risk for the regular flu to get their annual flu shot this month, and as soon as the Swine Flu vaccinations arrive, get those.

You can, however, take both types of flu shots at the same time.

On behalf of The Pioneer, we wish you good health and a successful academic year.

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