Increase in flu cases on campus raises concerns
By Mike McPhee
Associate Editor of Content
University officials have confirmed that 29 students on campus have been diagnosed with influenza type A, presumed to be H1N1 "swine flu." A plan for dealing with the outbreak has been set into motion and the University is actively working to contain the virus' spread.
The University's procedure for dealing with students who believe they might have the H1N1 virus was outlined in a campus-wide email sent by the Office of Student Health Services (SHS) on August 26 and is still currently in use for handling new cases of the illness.
Students with symptoms of the flu, which include a high fever of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat and coughing, are instructed to call SHS instead of visiting the office in person. If those students are determined to have influenza type A, they are isolated in their residence hall room and told not to attend classes, athletic practices, dining halls or campus activities. Students in isolation are encouraged to leave campus and return to their homes if possible, and are not allowed to return to classes until a physician has determined they are well again; the recovery time is approximately five days. The University takes responsibility for bringing meals to the student during this isolation period.
The 29 cases that have been reported at the University are "presumed" to be H1N1 in accordance with a nationwide recommendation from the Center for Disease Control (CDC); students who are diagnosed with influenza type A are treated as if they have the H1N1 strain without actually having blood work sent in to verify which strain of the flu they are carrying, according to Tom Evelyn, director of media relations. Other nearby universities are also following this convention.
The first confirmed case of type A influenza was reported on September 6, in an email that was sent out to University faculty, staff and students. The student, whose residence is in the Mods, was treated in accordance with the procedure outlined by the University and chose to return home until he recovered.
"The University commends the student for taking prompt steps to protect himself and others," said Pete Mackey, Vice President for Communications in the report.
A second email was sent out across campus on September 7 by Susan Hopp, Dean of Students, which "confirmed that several students have tested positive for influenza type A," assumed to be H1N1. Hopp noted that there is currently no vaccine for the flu, and attempted to alleviate fears by pointing out that this strain of the flu is typically milder than the seasonal flu is.
"Even if you believe that you may have been exposed to H1N1, if you do not have symptoms of the flu, please do not call or go to the SHS. There is no testing or treatment that is appropriate when no symptoms of the flu are present," said Hopp in the email.
Evelyn also pointed out that the seasonal flu generally affects 5 to 20 percent of the population of Lewisburg and the campus community. In comparison, the 29 presumed cases of H1N1 is a relatively small number.
Many members of the faculty have responded to the virus' spread with alternative online lesson plans and flexible attendance policies to help prevent the further spread of the virus.
"I am working diligently to take all reasonable precautions and am grateful for your help," said David Rovnyak, associate professor of chemistry, in an email to students of his CHEM201 class. "If you choose to stay in, remember that you can review the lecture notes from Blackboard, work ahead on the chapter problems, and we are about to announce the next online homework as well, so you have a lot of mechanisms to track your progress and work independently if you must miss class."
Throughout the duration of the incidents, the University has maintained a website specifically for more information for students (http://www.bucknell.edu/swineflu) that has links to more information about the flu itself and ways to prevent it. According to Evelyn, students should check this website frequently for the most up-to-date information on the virus, its effects on the campus community, and methods of prevention.
The website advises students to wash their hands frequently with alcohol-based sanitizers, cover their nose or mouth when sneezing, avoid sharing utensils and drinks, and avoid touching their eyes, ears, and nose to minimize the spread of the virus. The University has put out additional hand sanitizer dispensers by the entrances of buildings on campus to facilitate washing hands frequently.
"I've been using the hand sanitizers and eating oranges to try and stay healthy," said Andrew Powell '12.
Although concerned for their health, many students are coping with the virus' spread without descending into panic.
"Swine flu is milder than the seasonal flu. I'm not going to freak out about it - if I get it, I get it," said Sarah Fryd '12.
