Swine 2009

By Benjamin Engle

As Union College students establish their routine this fall trimester, they should be adding flu prevention their to-do lists.

The H1N1 strain of the flu, more commonly known as swine flu, has hit college campuses across the United States again this fall after first appearing last spring. According to Union College Health Services, there have been zero confirmed cases of swine flu at Union.

Swine flu is an epidemic of the influenza virus that, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is "a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs."

According to Barbara Lahey, the Medical Director in Health Services, the H1N1 flu is fairly mild since it only lasts about two to four weeks. Because many young people have not been exposed to the H1N1 strain of the flu, they are at a higher risk.

In order to control the outbreak of the flu virus, Health Services has been preparing for the flu season and following protocols and guidelines set forth by the CDC and the Schenectady County Department of Health.

Additionally, Union is part of the American College Health Association's "Pandemic Influenza of College Campuses" surveillance.

Lahey and the Health Services department is preparing to see swine flu cases on campus and is encouraging all members of the Union College Community to practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

"We must stay focused on prevention of the flu," Lahey said. "We need to be considerate of others by taking the proper steps to prevent an outbreak."

Lahey, in conjunction with the CDC, suggests that students and faculty take advantage of the hand sanitizer stations posted at various building entrances and to cover their mouths and nose when they cough or sneeze. They are also urged to keep high-contact areas such as desks and labs clean. Additionally, Lahey suggests that the campus employ a buddy system to keep a better eye on friends, roommates, and others.

If a student or faculty member believes he or she has contracted swine flu, Health Services asks that they either leave campus and return home, or self-isolate in their dorm room. Those who believe they have the flu should not come to Health Services to avoid contaminating the buildings as well as fellow students. However, they should call in to?Health Services immediately.

According to CDC guidelines, students should not return to class or work until they have been fever free without taking medication for at least 24 hours.

"We are prepared to look outside the box to make sure students are okay," Lahey said. "We can't be afraid to help each other during this flu season."

Union College Health Services will be hosting flu clinics on November 5 and 12 to give out the seasonal flu vaccine. While the vaccine will not prevent the H1N1 virus, Health Services hopes that it will minimize symptoms.

"The community needs to pull together and look out for each other," Lahey added, "It's going to be okay as we communicate quickly and become more educated."

Originally published in Union's Concordy on 9/17/09