H1N1 suspected at UWS
9/15/2009
By Brittany Berrens
There are currently four suspected cases of the H1N1 influenza at UW-Superior, and Student Health and Counseling Services Coordinator Dawn Schultze expects that number to grow.
“In about three months we’ll see the majority of it has swept through already,” said Shultze.
Wisconsin is not testing for H1N1, so the Student Health and Counseling Services are going by student reports of flu-like symptoms. Because the seasonal flu does not generally hit until February, any flu-like symptoms experienced at this time of year are perceived to be caused by the H1N1 virus.
“Luckily, H1N1 symptoms are mild compared to most influenza. It’s very survivable and it seems that most people are recovering in seven days or less,” said Schultze.
Despite all the talk of the virus, student Misty Hunter hasn’t changed her daily routine.
“I’m not doing much extra. I just wash my hands more frequently,” says Hunter. “And avoid sitting next to people in class that are obviously sick.”
So far the university is dealing with H1N1 according to the pandemic plans that were already in place before the virus started showing up in the spring. Most importantly, students who feel flu-like symptoms are asked to stay away from others.
Dorm residents who get sick are asked to travel home if they can do so safely. If traveling is not possible, they are instructed to stay in their rooms and wear a face mask while using public rest rooms and use hand sanitizer.
“Students should be aware, but not so much worried. They should be knowledgeable about what’s happening around campus,” says Schultze.
While a H1N1 vaccination is still in the making, Schultze says inoculations will take place on campus in October when the vaccination is released. Shots will be free and students are encouraged to get the vaccination because they fall into the high-risk group for contracting H1N1- those ages five through 24.
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, cough, aches and diarrhea (similar to those of seasonal flu). If students are feeling flu-like symptoms, they are strongly encouraged to report this to Student Health and Counseling Services by calling 715-394-8394.
Flu kits with disposable thermometers, hand sanitizer and care instructions are available free in Hawkes Hall 216.
“In about three months we’ll see the majority of it has swept through already,” said Shultze.
Wisconsin is not testing for H1N1, so the Student Health and Counseling Services are going by student reports of flu-like symptoms. Because the seasonal flu does not generally hit until February, any flu-like symptoms experienced at this time of year are perceived to be caused by the H1N1 virus.
“Luckily, H1N1 symptoms are mild compared to most influenza. It’s very survivable and it seems that most people are recovering in seven days or less,” said Schultze.
Despite all the talk of the virus, student Misty Hunter hasn’t changed her daily routine.
“I’m not doing much extra. I just wash my hands more frequently,” says Hunter. “And avoid sitting next to people in class that are obviously sick.”
So far the university is dealing with H1N1 according to the pandemic plans that were already in place before the virus started showing up in the spring. Most importantly, students who feel flu-like symptoms are asked to stay away from others.
Dorm residents who get sick are asked to travel home if they can do so safely. If traveling is not possible, they are instructed to stay in their rooms and wear a face mask while using public rest rooms and use hand sanitizer.
“Students should be aware, but not so much worried. They should be knowledgeable about what’s happening around campus,” says Schultze.
While a H1N1 vaccination is still in the making, Schultze says inoculations will take place on campus in October when the vaccination is released. Shots will be free and students are encouraged to get the vaccination because they fall into the high-risk group for contracting H1N1- those ages five through 24.
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, cough, aches and diarrhea (similar to those of seasonal flu). If students are feeling flu-like symptoms, they are strongly encouraged to report this to Student Health and Counseling Services by calling 715-394-8394.
Flu kits with disposable thermometers, hand sanitizer and care instructions are available free in Hawkes Hall 216.