Have a fever, chills and sweats, body aches and congestion? These are the symptoms of the H1N1 (Swine) Flu that swept across the country and college campuses over the past months.
The H1N1 virus often called “swine” is a new influenza strain that has begun to cause illness among people in 2009. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the first reported case in humans was detected in April of 2009. Since, the virus has spread person-to-person in the same way the seasonal flu spreads every year.
A question many have asked is “how to protect themselves from getting sick?” According to the CDC the first and most important step is to get the vaccine that has been offered to the public. After that they suggest that whenever you sneeze or cough to use a tissue and to always dispose of the tissue immediately. Wash your hands with hot water and soap often. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with your hands because this is an easy way for germs to spread. Try to avoid close contact with individuals who may be sick. And finally if you are sick with any of the symptoms you should seek medical attention or stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
The symptoms of this new strain of the flu are very similar to those of the seasonal flu. The CDC has reported that the 2009 H1N1 virus symptoms in people often include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported with the virus in some instances.
Globally the exact number of cases of H1N1 cannot be confirmed. However on the Roger Williams University campus Ann Andrade Director and Nurse Practitioner of Health Services stated that the Health Center has seen roughly 200-250 flu like symptom cases. Andrade stated that determining the difference between seasonal flu and H1N1 can only be done by a test.
Health services at RWU can conduct the test for H1N1 but cannot process the test on campus. Health services conduct sample tests which then are sent to the Department of Health in Rhode Island and then tested. RWU has sent positive tests to the Department of Health since students began showing symptoms on campus.
If you are showing symptoms of H1N1 health services does recommend you return home if possible or quarantine yourself in your room until fever has passed. If you have a roommate they ask that your roommate move out if possible for the duration of time it takes your fever to dissipate. According to Andrade a majority of those infected have left campus. Most students return in 4 days but some have stayed home for up to a week.
Even though many cases have been reported on college campuses nationwide college campuses are not the main hotspot for the H1N1. According to Andrade K-12 is the main hotspot for the virus. The college age group is also a hotspot but this age group has been in contact with other viruses over the years so we do have some immunity. The K-12 age group however has had no exposure to other viruses and therefore is the most at risk to catch the virus. The only reason college campuses have a high chance of catching the viruses is because of university housing. So many students in such a confined area of living always increase the chance to catch illnesses such as the H1N1.
Leigh-Ann Thornlimb, 20, a Roger Williams student had the H1N1 virus earlier this year. Thornlimb discovered she had H1N1 when she became ill for a couple of days. She then proceeded to Health Services where they swabbed her nose and tested her for H1N1. Health Services advised Thornlimb to leave campus as soon as possible and await the results of the nose swab. Thornlimb was then contacted by Rhode Island Health Department which confirmed that she had H1N1. Thornlimb described the virus as awful. “I had pain in my joints, it hurt to walk at some points or do anything which required moving.” Thornlimb left campus for 5 days in which she stayed at home and slept and got better over time. Thornlimb described the illness as one of the worst illnesses she has ever had.
Chelsea Zaharko, 20, also a Roger Williams student is Thornlimb’s roommate. “I was very worried throughout the process” “I was worried for Leigh-Ann but I was also freaking that I may get the virus also.” Zaharko took many precautions not to get the virus after Thornlimb was diagnosed. “I Clorox wiped everything in the room, I covered her side of the room with sheets and I took a lot of vitamins.” Zaharko said that she did not think to get the vaccine after Thornlimb was diagnosed but is now going to get the vaccine.
The H1N1 vaccine is now being offered on the RWU campus. Students can receive the vaccine between 10 am and 3 pm on the days of December 9th, 10th and 11th at the Recreation Center 2nd floor.
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