Corrections about H1N1

I am disappointed at inaccuracies about H1N1 in recent Technician  articles.

“Influenza-like illness or influenza (presumed H1N1)” is the terminology that should be used when referring to numbers at N.C. State affected by flu rather than calling the numbers “documented cases of H1N1.” Those diagnosed are assumed to have H1N1 since that is the predominant influenza strain currently circulating. Numbers are likely conservative because the count includes only those who visited a Student Health Services physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant and does not include those who self-treat, visited evening nurse clinic or their own physician, or treated based on telephone advice.

Diagnosis can be made in three ways: based on a set of symptoms as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (without any testing or with a negative rapid-flu test); based on a positive rapid-flu test (test might not be positive, even if a person has the flu); or by specialized H1N1 testing (currently reserved for those hospitalized or in other special situations).

The latest CDC recommendation for self-isolation in a college setting is that “people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit) or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.” The Technician statement that Student Health Services is asking students to “stay isolated for a minimum of 7 days” is not accurate.

Those who visit Student Health Services who have concerns about their diagnosis or treatment are encouraged to get their questions answered while at the clinic. Those who are told by medical staff to self-isolate are encouraged to follow that advice.

Student Health Services has worked hard to assure that those acutely ill who request medical care are seen in a timely manner and are worked in, even if Student Health Services is out of appointments. Those who go on-line and find appointment slots full on the day care is needed should call the Student Health Services appointment desk.

Refer to the Student Health Services H1N1 page frequently for accurate information that is specific to students and those in the University community. Updated statistics of those diagnosed at NCSU (along with a breakdown by category), H1N1 handout for students, Get Well Meal Kit link and general H1N1 information can be found at the site. Visit ncsu.edu/student_health and select H1N1.

Dr. Mary Bengtson

medical director, student health services

Make the proposal honest

First off, let me start by saying this: rallying for Talley is a good idea, a necessary one even. But that does not give the University the right to slap an $85 fee on all students across the board that does not even count towards the 6.5-percent fee cap. Yes, I know that it takes a large amount of money to make a large amount of change to a preexisting structure. But don’t put current students in debt trying to pay for something they will never use while here on campus. Instead of making Talley and the Atrium separate fees, people had the brainchild to make them one fee so current students would pass the huge Talley fee. Yes, the Atrium needs to be remodeled as well, but separate the two projects and if you insist on making current students pay for Talley, implement a sliding fee based on class with current freshmen paying more for something they are likely to see accomplished while they are here at the University.

Patrick Devore

sophomore, meteorology

Ceresnak has a lame mug

I felt that the image of Jim Ceresnak, talking on a cell phone and not looking at a camera, was quite lame. It really makes him look important in the most sarcastic sense I can muster in words. Put down the cell phone and stop raising our fees. It seems like the objective of every politician in our student government is to raise student fees to complete some project to put on their resumes when it comes time for them to get a job.

Kevin Kennedy

graduate student, aerospace engineering