In the first three weeks of school, the Student Health Center diagnosed 196 cases of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the “swine flu.”
The virus is a strain of influenza that affects people mainly under the age of 25. According to the Medical Director of Student Health Services, Dr. Mary Bengtson, the virus can spread by traveling six feet or more through the air or by direct contact.
“People need to know the symptoms, how it is spread and what to do if they are well or sick,” Bengtson said.
The Student Health Center is taking many steps toward preventing the virus from spreading. One of those steps is posting advertisements throughout campus to make students aware of the symptoms and how to keep from becoming infected. The Health Center said symptoms of H1N1 may include a fever of more than 100 degrees, cough, sore throat, aches, headache, stuffy nose, vomiting, diarrhea and fatigue.
Students are also being more cautious by taking steps toward preventing the spread of H1N1.
Allie Heafner, a junior majoring in social work, is staying healthy by washing her hands as much as possible and carrying hand sanitizer.
“I’m worried because a few girls in my sorority have had it and we’re together all the time preparing for rush,” Heafner said. “I was worried recruitment would be postponed.”
Greek Life organizations are also taking precautions against H1N1. To prepare for recruitment the Panhellenic Council has instructed sororities to clean their houses. There will also be hand sanitizer at each house before and after every round of recruitment.
“We are strongly discouraging physical contact such as handshaking, something you would normally see at rush,” John Mountz, director of Greek Life, said.
The Health Center strongly discourages students from going to class, work or social events if they show symptoms of the flu.
“Faculty have been advised by the Provost to excuse absences and not expect sick students to attend classes, and sick students have been advised to not attend classes, the dining hall or events where they can expose others for at least 24 hours after their [temperature] returns to normal,” Jerry Barker, director of Student Health Services, said.
Bengtson encourages students to get the regular influenza vaccine as soon as it is available and to look for updates on an H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine will likely be a two-shot series and will be given to priority groups first.
“As long as the flu is in the community, take the precautions,” Bengtson said.
For more information students may visit the Student Health Center Web site at www.ncsu.edu/student_health where they can find a flu handout with details about symptoms and prevention.
Through the Web site, students may also order “Get well meal kits” provided by University Dining, so students can still have meals while confined to their room.
