The H1N1 influenza, also known as swine flu, will be a concern this flu season. The 2009 H1N1 is a type of new flu that originated a pandemic, which means it affects a wide geographic area, during last spring's flu season. The first cases in the U.S. occurred in April 2009.
Similar to the regular seasonal flu viruses, 2009 H1N1 can cause mild to severe illness and, in some cases, death. This type of H1N1 spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu, by direct contact or droplets, which occur when people with influenza cough and sneeze nearby. The Maryland Department of Health has reported this year 166 H1N1 flu hospitalizations and 7 deaths in the state.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the situation of the H1N1 flu for this upcoming fall and winter cannot be predicted, though there is a chance more communities will be affected by it in the fall than were affected during the spring and summer months. If this is the case, the CDC will recommend additional strategies to control the spread of H1N1.
Director of Loyola's Health Center Jeanne Lombardi said that their plan is to focus on the prevention of this flu at Loyola. She does not expect a more severe outbreak of H1N1 compared to last season, but she also said that there is a crisis committee that has put "a pandemic plan in place."
"[In case anything happens], we are prepared to handle it," she said.
There is currently no vaccine available against 2009 H1N1. The vaccine still needs to pass medical trials and should be released this fall before regular flu season, which lasts from late November to early December.
"The Health Center has pre-ordered the vaccine for the H1N1 influenza," said Lombardi.
Once the vaccine is available, it will first be given to high risk people with underlying health conditions. This group of people includes, but is not limited to, persons with the following conditions: pulmonary disease (such as asthma), renal, hepatic, neurologic, diabetes and other metabolic disorders. Pregnant woman, younger people and health care personnel will be given priority as well.
Bianca Vazquez, '11, who has asthma and knows she has a higher risk of getting this flu is worried about the stage of the vaccine.
"I just don't know if they [2009 H1N1 vaccines] will be fully prep, they might not have it until flu season," Vazquez said.
There are also many students at colleges and universities nationwide who are concerned about 2009 H1N1 because it is supposed to affect campuses this year. Some people think that younger people - college students - will be most affected by this flu.
"College students are more at risk because they have no known immunity and live in crowded places," said Lombardi.
Other people trust that the 2009 H1N1 flu won't reach Loyola. Tamarah Lawrence, '13, said, "I know it's dangerous, but I am not worried about it."
Alejandro Santos, '10, said, "I was getting worried [about the H1N1 flu] when people back in New York were getting it. I was happy to come back to Baltimore. Haven't heard much about it though."
How can students differentiate between a cold, the regular flu, or the H1N1 flu? First, keep in mind that if there is no fever, there is no flu. The H1N1 symptoms include: high fever (more than 100 degrees), runny nose, sore throat or cough, chills and body aches, headaches, and occasional vomiting and diarrhea. If you do have the symptoms, call the Health Center for an appointment right away.
One case of H1N1 influenza was reported on campus this summer; the student recovered uneventfully.
If a student gets sick, he or she will be sent home if the student lives within a five-hour drive from campus. If the student has to remain on campus, he or she will be asked to stay in the room wearing a mask, e-mail professors to let them know about the illness, and avoid hugging, kissing and sharing utensils. According to Lombardi, teachers are aware of the H1N1 possibility and have their own Web site to inform them about the subject.
The attitude students should take, according to Lombardi, is a preemptive one because this is a different kind of flu. The 2009 H1N1 can be quite serious, while in other cases it can be milder than any other influenza. This is why it is important for a student who is experiencing flu-like symptoms to call the Health Center right away.
"We don't want students to panic; the main concern of the Health Center is the health and welfare of the students," Lombardi said.
Lombardi went on to say that students are encouraged to call and set up appointments if they feel sick so that tests can be done promptly. Results of the flu test will come in after three days, during which time necessary precautions will be taken in the event the test comes back positive for the 2009 H1N1.
Although Lombardi does not want students to be worried, she wants them to be informed so that they can take care of themselves and stay healthy. There is a group of student volunteers that will be helping to circulate information throughout the coming weeks on how to prevent the flu.
The plan is to contain an outbreak. In order to do this, Loyola has placed new sanitizing dispensers around campus. There is a flu tool kit, which includes a thermometer, hand sanitizing lotion and Clorox wipes, being prepared for students to buy at the Health Center. It is very important to clean the areas around computer labs and places shared by a large number of students. Students are also encouraged to avoid the sharing of writing utensils and drinks in addition to washing their hands when they come into contact with others.
Regular flu vaccines will be distributed earlier this year to avoid the overlapping of vaccines when the 2009 H1N1 vaccines arrive. The flu vaccine does not reduce the risk of getting 2009 H1N1, but it should keep students and personnel healthy.
The Health Center is planning to meet with student volunteers to go over necessary information the student body should know about the H1N1 flu. A campus-wide effort will begin soon to inform students how to stay healthy, look for student volunteers throughout the Evergreen campus.
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