H1N1 and college students: Is it a problem?
Do colleges have a crisis on their hands? Should the world be concerned? Most people have heard throughout the last few months that a high risk virus is on the loose and spreading across the globe. What is this quick strain runner that has people worrying for their health and life? It is called the H1N1 strain, or more commonly referred to as Swine Flu.
So what is Swine Flu? Is it like other flu’s? The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention said the virus was originally referred to as Swine Flu because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were similar to influenza viruses that normally contracted by North American pigs (swine). But further study has shown that this new virus is different from what normally circulates in our four-footed barn yard friends.
This strain has two genes from flu viruses that show up in human genes and European and Asian pigs as well as birds (avian), according to the CDC. The flu’s scientific name is Influenza A H1N1 Virus.
According to the CDC, Influenza A means the virus is first identified in an animal, usually a pig or a bird. Type A viruses are also subject to gradual mutations (antigenic drift) as well as sudden changes in their surface proteins (antigenic shift).
Due to their variability, Type A viruses can cause major pandemics, according ot the CDC. Type A viruses are divided into subtypes based on differences of two surface proteins called hemagglutinin(HA) and neuraminidase(NA). There are 16 different HA subtypes and 9 NA subtypes. Examples of past flu outbreaks include the following:
- H5N1 Subtype – bird flu virus
- H3N2 Subtype – Hong Kong flu pandemic of 1968
- H5N2 Subtype – highly pathogenic in chickens
- H3N8 Subtype – frequently found in horses
- H2N2 Subtype – Asian flu pandemic of 1957
- H7N7 Subtype – 2003 poultry epidemic
- H1N1 Subtype – Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and swine flu
Although the Swine Flu has symptoms like any other flu, it spreads faster than other strains. For this reason many Americans may be receiving two viral shots this fall, one for the seasonal flu and one for Swine Flu.
But the question students are asking is whether or not they should worry about Swine Flu.
“We should do everything we are told,” said Martin St. Maurice, biology professor in the College of Arts & Sciences. “I stay prepared by washing my hands, sleeping as much as possible and eating healthy. Is it the same as the normal flu? Yes and no. Awareness is higher, but the steps are the same for every flu.”
More students will suffer from the flu this year since the strain is new, St. Maurice said. As a result, everyone needs to follow the university’s general procedures.
Matthew Sanders, psychology professor in the College of Health Sciences, said, “It could blow up or be nothing.”
Sanders said the CDC guidelines are clear. If you are sick with a fever, you should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has subsided.
In addition to Marquette faculty and staff’s preparation, students must take active roles in fighting the flu. They must prepare themselves for any flu or cold virus spreading around campus, stay healthy and active and don’t let their bodies fall weak to any threat. By knowing the symptoms of Swine Flu, the university as a whole can become better prepared for a potential outbreak.
The symptoms are very similar to those of seasonal flu. If you think you have any type of flu, please visit Student Health Service or see your doctor.
Student Health Service said that to prevent the spread of the flu:
1. Wash your hands, especially after you cough or sneeze
2. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
4. Clean your living quarters
5. Don’t be in close contact with people who may have the flu
6. Do not share cups or beverages
7. Stay in good health (drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, manage stress and get plenty of sleep)
Tags: college, h1n1, health, student health, student health service, swine flu
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