Swine flu expected to infect URI students, Health Services offers tips to stay healthy

9/10/09 - The expected number of swine flu-related deaths has been determined to be significantly higher than that of seasonal flu according to a recent publication by President Obama's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.

Due to the severity of the threat of swine flu, colleges across the United States, including the University of Rhode Island, are monitoring the health of their students and faculty more so than in previous years



Swine flu - also known as H1N1 - is expected to reappear throughout the country this year, likely hitting large populations the hardest.



Its effects are estimated to be far-reaching. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30 to 50 percent of the general population is likely to contract the H1N1 virus by the end of 2009.



"Any flu can be deadly," Director of Health Services, Chad Henderson said. "The H1N1 flu differs from seasonal flu in that it is attacking young people at a greater rate than the elderly," Henderson said.



Some students, however, remain unaware of the danger of the H1N1 virus.



"It doesn't seem as serious as seasonal flu because you turn on the news and according to statistics, swine flu has killed much less people than the seasonal flu," freshman Rachael Starr said. "Even I didn't know how serious it is."



The university has posted flyers across campus, reminding students to wash their hands to prevent the spread of diseases. In addition, hand sanitizer have been placed dispensers in the entrances of buildings and beside elevators.



According to Henderson the virus can survive on surfaces for up to three hours. He suggests students wipe down any shared phones, keyboards or doorknobs with alcohol-based wipes or sanitizing spray.



"It's just unsanitary to shake people's hands," freshman Patrick Mullen said. "I cover my mouth when I sneeze. I use hand sanitizer and I constantly am washing my hands but sometimes I do feel a little unsafe"



Besides washing their hands and using hand sanitizer, Henderson also suggests students not touch their nose, mouth or eyes because they are easy entry points for the virus.



Avoiding close contact with others is also advised.



"As a society, we are comfortable when two people are having a conversation and they sit about 3 feet apart," he said. Henderson recommends keeping a distance of 3-6 feet apart from other people if possible.



The university has also implemented a policy to deal with student absences due to swine flu. Since absences are expected to be more common this year than in previous flu seasons, many professors have added a section in their syllabi excusing students experiencing flu-like symptoms.



"The flu will come in waves," Henderson said. "The hope is that the educational process will continue, students will complete coursework and faculty will complete instruction."



According to the U.S. Preparations for 2009 H1N1 Influenza report, the epidemic could cause 30,000-90,000 deaths among U.S. children and young adults, putting college students at a higher risk.



Common symptoms of H1N1 include fever, sore throat, muscle aches, cough and occasionally vomiting and diarrhea.



The university strongly urges anyone exhibiting any flu-like symptoms to isolate themselves to their dorm room.



"They need to remain self-isolated until their fever is 100 degrees Fahrenheit or less for a minimum of 24 hours without any fever-reducing medication," Henderson said.



If sick, students should have someone else alert his or her resident assistant.



To avoid further spreading the virus, Henderson suggests those infected rely on their cell phones or computers for communication.



"If you're in a bunk bed, sleep head to toe," Henderson said. By doing this, students are placing more distance between their faces, therefore reducing their chances of getting sick.



Students should remain in their rooms and refrain from seeking medical attention unless experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, in which case they should dial 911.



Since dehydration is also a common result of the flu virus, infected individuals should drink clear, non-alcoholic liquids such as water and juice. Students should also have a friend obtain an authorization card from an R.A. to receive food at Hope Commons. Special packs of non-perishable food, called Isopacks, have been set aside for any students in isolation. These Isopacks, provided by Dining Services, contain enough food and drink to last up to three days.



URI plans to offer free vaccinations for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu within the next two months. The seasonal flu vaccine was administered to 300 students this week and will be available to all students on Thursday, Sept. 17 in the Memorial Union.



If clinical trials prove successful, the Food and Drug Administration plans to release the H1N1 flu vaccine to the general public by mid-October. At this time, the vaccination should become available to URI students.



Although Henderson said there may not be an adequate supply of H1N1 vaccines in the initial shipment, more vaccines are expected to arrive within the following week.



"It will take two H1N1 immunizations to gain immunity," Henderson said. The vaccinations are most effective when taken 21 days apart.



Students who are more susceptible to H1N1 due to preexisting health conditions will receive the vaccine first.